“I wanted to be there when we told them.”
“I know. But she already knew, honey. And they were fine with it. They even called me, Dad. I just wanted you to know, so you didn’t think I told them without you.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad they know.”
“In the short time I had them, I learned it’s very hard to be a parent. When she got into your makeup, I wasn’t sure how to handle it.”
I hope you weren’t too hard on her.”
“I made her clean it up and told her not to mess with your stuff. It was pretty damn cute.”
“Yeah. That’s her besetting sin—being headstrong, but being so damn cute it’s hard to stop her.”
“I love them, Bella. They’re amazing kids, and you’ve done an amazing job with them. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there for the three of you. I promised—”
“Harvey, don’t,” she interrupted.
Harvey sat down carefully on the edge of her narrow bed and took her fingers in his, “I promised myself I’d say this if I got the chance, Bella, so hear me out. Please.” She nodded her encouragement.
“I love you. I’ve never loved anyone else if you want to know the truth, and all I want is to be with you. Raise a family with you. Get over myself and be your husband instead.”
“What? I—I thought you’d take them away from me while I was in the hospital.”
“If that’s what you think of me, then I’ve got a lot to make up to you. Because all I have wanted since you had that accident was to make things right, to make sure we’re never apart again and that those kids have both their parents. Always.”
“Do you mean it?” she asked as a tear dripped down her face.
“I forgive you, Bella.”
She let out a sob as emotion consumed her. “I’ve waited so long to hear those words. They mean everything to me.”
“I know my mother would’ve taken those kids without a doubt. And how could have you ever fought against her?”
“And I should’ve taken a step back instead of being so bossy when you first met the kids. I should’ve let you did it your way.”
“We might have collided at first, but I think everything is going to be okay. I think it’s time we quit living in the past and move forward with a beautiful future.”
Harvey reached into his pocket and took out the velvet box that held the engagement ring he’d given her nearly seven years ago, the big diamond solitaire with the halo of shimmering diamonds surrounding it, the platinum band, itself studded with tiny diamonds.
“This has been waiting for you, Bella. I—I’ve been waiting for you all this time. And you make me fall deeper in love with you every day. I let you into my world, and then just like that, you became it. I want you today, tomorrow, next week, the rest of eternity. You’re not just my lover but my best friend and the mother of my children. I can’t think of a more perfect life than waking up to your smiling face and going to bed with you in my arms. I knew you were special the second I met you and you shot me that gorgeous smile of yours. I was absolutely smitten. Many people search their entire lives to find what we already have.”
“What we have is so special.”
“I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make you and the kids happy. So the question is, will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?”
More emotions flooded through her and she could barely speak as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Yes!” she said, laughing and crying at the same time, “to think it took all of this, this horrible accident to bring us together.”
“I hate that you’re hurt, that you’re suffering, but I’ll get you through this. You’ll have the best therapy, and we’ll get you all the help you need to make a full recovery. And then, we’ll have the wedding of your dreams. Anywhere in the world. On the yacht off Mexico where you loved it, or up in a hot air balloon or on a beach in Fiji—name it.”
“I want to get married as soon as we can. We can have a party later, for the kids, with cake and everything, I just want to be your wife. If we could take our vows here, right now, I would.”
“I would, too, but I want you sober enough to make that decision. You’re on some heavy pain meds,” he joked and she shook her head.
“We’ll wait till I’m out of the hospital then, but only just. I want to be your wife,” she said again. “And I’m not waiting another minute.”
“Fine, but I’m not telling Corinne she doesn’t get to be a flower girl in a big, fancy wedding.”