Imperfect Love (Heart of Hope 4)

As the clapping resumed, I pulled Terra in for a hug.

“You were brilliant, as expected,” she said in my ear.

“You’re biased.”

“So? That doesn’t make me wrong.”

I took her hand and we joined the group of people who came to celebrate the reopening of the cancer support center. I liked being able to see their joy at the first big project Terra and my foundation had taken on, but I was emotionally drained and wanted to get away to be with my wife.

We made the rounds, talking with everyone who’d come to support the opening, but at the first chance, I’d led her outside to the car.

“Your guests will miss you,” she said.

“They’ll make do.” I drove us back towards my father-in-law where the kids were spending the day.

“I’m so proud of you, Brayden.”

I glanced at her. “You helped with this project too. We did it together.” We’d first come up with the idea during an emotional breakdown of sorts I had when we learned Terra’s cancer wasn’t responding as it should. It had been her idea to build a new facility, partly as a way to give back, but also to give me something to do to distract me. She joined in, at first just a little bit because she was weak from double doses of radiation and chemotherapy.

While the distraction helped, it wasn’t until three months ago when she was given a clean bill of health did I finally breathe again. We celebrated with a camping trip with the kids, who were better troopers than me over the last year.

“It’s a good thing. The center will support so many more people,” she said.

I nodded. “Hey, how about some ice cream?”

She laughed. “How did we get from the cancer center to ice cream?”

I shrugged. “I want ice cream.”

“I wouldn’t mind ice cream.”

I drove us to the ice cream shop, ordered our cones, and sat outside to look at the view as we ate. It was a clear, sunny day. Perfect for the cancer support center openings and spending time with my wife.

“Hey, what’s that?” I pointed out over the sound.

“What?” She looked out over the water. “What are you pointing at?”

“It’s nothing.” I went back to eating my ice cream.

She looked at me frowning like I’d gone nutty. I suppose I had. I was a goofball, totally and madly in love with my wife.

“How’s your ice cream?” I asked.

“It’s—” She stopped when she saw the diamond ring I bought to go along with her engagement and wedding band. “What’s this?”

I shrugged. “Secret prize?”

She plucked the ring from the cone and used her napkin to wipe off the ice cream. “It’s beautiful. What’s the occasion?”

I took the ring from her. “I love you. Isn’t that occasion enough?”

She smiled at me and it made my heart soar. I was the luckiest man in the world.

“Our ten-year anniversary is coming up and I want to renew our vows. I want to marry you all over again now that we’ve got a new lease on life. What do you say? Will you marry me again?”

“Yes. A million times yes,” she said as I slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you Brayden.”

“If it’s half as much as I love you, then I’m a lucky man, indeed.” I kissed her hand. “I’ve already reserved the Rose Garden and hired a minister, but I’ve left everything else up to you.”