Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

Katie Sweetheart,

I hate that I’ve caused you heartache and tragedy. I hate that things happened the way they did, and I’ve asked myself over and over if I could go back in time, would I change them? At first, my answer was yes, but then I realized that changing the past may not bring me back to you, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. You, sweetheart. You’re my everything. Your sunshine on dark days, warmth when it’s cold, and calm in a storm. I will always be there for you no matter and be an anchor when you need it the most because you’re my North when I’ve lost my way.

Next are Belinda and Jerry, along with another silver envelope.

Katie Love,

I remember what I wished for on my eighteenth birthday. Do you remember being there? You sat right across from me at the table as the candles were burning, and you told me to make a wish. I looked you straight in the eyes, and at that moment, I wished that I’d marry you someday. I blew out the candles and held it deep inside. Years later, I thought back to that moment and was convinced that it would never happen. But now, I’m a believer. Wishes do come true, and I know that to be the truth every morning when I wake up with you in my arms.

My parents greet me with hugs and tell me how much they love me, then lead me over to Owen and Anthony. Thankfully, neither of them was carrying a letter, and for once, I’m grateful because I don’t know how much more I can read before I melt into tears.

Owen grabs my free hand and looks into my eyes. “Mama, I gave Dad permission,” he says, and I can see he’s growing emotional too.

“Permission for what, baby?” I ask.

Moments later, Noah steps into view, looking as handsome as ever. Even though he’s been wearing those clothes all day, I can see the happiness radiating from him. He moves forward, and Owen and Anthony step aside. Behind me are all of my friends and family, watching as Noah gets on one knee.

I suspected a proposal after the first letter, but I never imagined it would be anything like this. The thought he puts into making moments special for me is magical.

He rubs his thumbs across the top of my hand.

“Katie, I’m pretty sure you’ve figured it out by now.” He chuckles, and I nod as tears drip down my face.

“I meant every word in those letters. I love you, sweetheart, more than anything in the world. I’d do anything for our beautiful children…” He glances at Owen, then back at me. “And for you. As I mentioned, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved with every fiber of my being, and I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to marry you, I wouldn’t pass it up. And here we are, beautiful. Katie…will you please spend the rest of your life with me and let me make you breakfast in bed, massage your feet, and treat you like the queen you are? Will you marry me?”

The whole time I was too focused on him to even notice the beautiful ring he’s holding.

“Yes, baby. Yes!” I say, and he stands and slides his lips across mine.

When we pull apart, he takes the ring out of the box, slips his hand in his pocket, and then pulls out a silver chain.

“It’s sized for after the babies.” He chuckles. “Gemma suggested it.”

Gemma shrugs and meets my eyes. “Don’t you agree?”

I nod. “Totally.”

Noah slips the ring on the necklace, then clasps it behind my neck. I look down at the diamond sparkling in the sunshine, then pull him closer. I get lost in this kiss as his tongue slides against mine, and if we didn’t have an audience or weren’t in public, there’s no telling where this would lead.

Congratulations are in order, and we exchange hugs and tears and handshakes galore. My senses are heightened because of my hormones, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve cried so much, but I welcome tears of happiness any day. While we’re saying our goodbyes to everyone, Owen gives me a tight squeeze.

“Thank you for saying yes, Mama,” he tells me.

I look at him and tilt my head. “You thought I’d say no?”

“Well no, but I didn’t know,” he says with a laugh. “I’m just happy Noah will be in our lives forever.”

“Forever, baby,” I tell him with a grin.

Loretta approaches and says they’re going to do some more activities, and Anthony asks if Owen can join them. Wanting to have some alone time with Noah, I agree.

“I’ll bring him home after we’re done here,” Loretta says.

“Memaw, can Owen stay the night?” Anthony asks with a twinkle in his eye, and I know I can’t say no to that.