Chapter 10 - The Proposal in the Rain
One month later.
It was a soft, mild evening at the Moretti estate.
The grand gardens behind the mansion were bathed in the romantic light of hundreds of paper lanterns hung from the ancient oak trees. A soft summer breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the fragrance of blooming jasmine across the lawn.
In the glass garden pavilion, a table was set with fine white linen, candles, and fresh red roses.
Sarah stepped into the pavilion wearing a stunning white lace dress that flowed gently around her ankles. Her dark hair was half-pinned back, framed by soft curls.
Julian stood waiting for her by the glass edge overlooking Lake Michigan. He wore a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark trousers, looking relaxed, peaceful, and impossibly handsome.
Sarah walked up to him, smiling softly. “Where are the kids?”
“Clara and Marco took Lily and Leo to the private cinema room downstairs,” Julian smiled gently. “They are currently watching cartoon movies and eating popcorn.”
Sarah chuckled, shaking her head. “You’ve turned Marco into a professional babysitter.”
“He considers it his highest honor,” Julian said softly.
He reached out, taking both of Sarah’s hands in his. He led her to the edge of the pavilion, where the calm waters of the lake reflected the starry night sky.
“Six months ago, Sarah,” Julian began, his voice deep and filled with intense emotion, “I was a man living in absolute darkness. I believed power was the only thing that mattered. I thought I could protect my family by surrounding myself with iron, guns, and silence.”
He looked into her hazel eyes, his grip on her hands tightening gently.
“And then, in a rain-soaked restaurant, a brave nurse in a mended coat walked past four armed bodyguards and taught me how to hold my own son.”
Sarah felt tears well up in her eyes, a warm smile touching her lips.
Julian slowly dropped to one knee on the marble floor.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box, opening it to reveal a magnificent, six-carat cushion-cut diamond ring that sparkled like a star under the lantern light.
“Sarah Bennett,” Julian said, his voice trembling slightly with a rare, beautiful vulnerability. “You saved my son’s life. You gave my home a heart. And you taught me how to love.”
He held up the ring.
“Will you marry me? Will you allow me to officially adopt Lily as my daughter, and become the mother Leo has always needed?”
Sarah covered her mouth with both hands, tears of overwhelming happiness spilling over her lashes.
May you like
“Yes!” Sarah cried out, dropping to her knees right in front of him on the warm marble floor. “Yes, Julian! A thousand times yes!”
Julian laughed—a joyous, beautiful sound—and slipped the ring onto her finger. He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the floor as he kissed her with all the passion, love, and devotion stored in his heart.
