Innocence

Giggles came from beside me. “London, it’s a surprise for you.”

Glancing at my dad, he grinned from ear to ear. “Surprise?” I asked confused. It wasn’t my birthday or any special event I could think of.

Had this family lost their mind? Where was Jaxson? He was the only one missing. Levi and Pam stepped aside to reveal Jaxson on one knee. He looked gorgeous as he grinned at me, the dimples showing.

Was this happening? Was Jaxson asking me to . . . marry him? Here? Now? In front of all our family?

Without thinking, I walked toward the man who captured my heart. Tears threatened to spill over.

“Jaxson . . .” His name died on my lips when he popped open a black box. A beautiful, square sparkling diamond sat nestled among the black velvet.

Strong fingers touched my hand, beckoning me closer. “London, I’m here before you and all our family, in the spot where we first met, asking you to be my wife and—”

“My mommy. Don’t forget that, Dad. We talked about this.” That precious voice filled with immeasurable hope broke the dam as a few tears trekked down my face. Everyone laughed. Ty stood beside me, looking up at me with a grin on his face. “Don’t be sad, London. Dad and I love you.”

My voice came out slightly broken. “I love you too, little man. I love you and your dad so much.”

Ty beamed. “She’s going to say yes, Dad.”

Happiness filled the room as Jaxson squeezed my fingers, bringing my attention back to him. “Will you marry me? Will you be our family?”

I threw my arms around him. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

The tight embrace from Jaxson felt like home. Nothing in the world would ever compare to what it felt like in his loving arms.

“And be my mom?” The voice was precious.

My head swiveled while Jaxson kept me in an iron grip. “Ty, I would love to be your mom.”

His legs brought him crashing into us. Jaxson adjusted his hug to include Ty. “We’re a family. London loves us, Dad.”

The ring slipped onto my ringer. “We are, son. We are.” Jaxson and I gazed into each other’s eyes. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, too.”

Whoops and hollers filled the space between us, but I was lost in the green eyes of my future husband. All roads were supposed to lead home, and I was finally where I was meant to be. A familiar voice caught my attention. “Millie?”

A tablet screen appeared before me. Millie had been here. “Hey there, bestie. I’m so happy for you. Jaxson stopped by the hospital last week after seeing your dad and asked me for his permission.” She leaned in closer. “Psst . . . I think he’s a keeper.”

Now the quick flight out to Alabama made more sense. I giggled. “I think so too.”

“I’ll call later. I’m on shift and couldn’t leave. Can’t wait to see you again. Miss you.”

“Miss you too.”

The screen went blank and it all clicked. “Wait, you saw my dad this week when you were traveling?”

A feather-light kiss touched my lips. “I wanted this to be perfect for you. I wanted his and Millie’s blessing. I talked to your Mom also.”

“Mom?”

I sobbed. He included everyone special to me in my life. Everyone I loved.

“Thank you, Jaxson.” Another kiss and I buried my face in his neck, composing myself. Though Mom wasn’t aware, she’d been involved.

Ty’s arms tightened around me. “Don’t be sad, London.”

I pulled back. “I’m not. I’m the happiest girl in the world.”