Chapter 9 - Promises in the Light
The sunset painted the Atlantic sky in brilliant shades of amber, lavender, and soft pink.
Lily was asleep inside the house, watched over by Arthur Vance’s wife, who had happily volunteered to babysit for the evening.
Out on the private cliffside terrace overlooking the water, a small table had been set with fresh seafood, candles, and a bottle of vintage wine.
Grace walked out onto the stone patio wearing a stunning ivory dress that caught the soft evening breeze.
Nathan stood by the stone railing, waiting for her. He looked down at her with an intensity that made her heart flutter just as fast as it had six years ago when they first met in a small coffee shop in Boston.
“Is everything okay with Lily?” Nathan asked as she approached.
“She’s sound asleep dreaming about sandcastles,” Grace smiled, stepping up to the railing beside him. She leaned her shoulder against his arm, looking out at the glittering water. “It’s so quiet here, Nathan. I keep waiting to wake up and find out I’m still scrubbing floors in that old apartment.”
Nathan turned to face her completely. He took both of her hands into his.
“You’re never going back to that dark place, Grace,” Nathan said, his voice deep and steady like the ocean tide below. “I swore to you that I would protect you, but tonight I want to make a different promise.”
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, navy velvet box.
Grace’s breath caught in her throat. Her hands trembled slightly inside his grip.
Nathan didn't hesitate. He dropped down onto one knee on the cool stone of the terrace.
He opened the velvet box, revealing a flawless, brilliant-cut oval diamond set upon a band of warm platinum.
“Grace Bennett,” Nathan said, his eyes burning with pure, unconditional love. “Five years ago, lies and evil people stole our start. But they couldn't destroy what we felt for each other. You gave me the greatest gift of my life in our daughter. You showed me what real courage looks like. I don't want another day on this earth where you aren't my wife.”
Tears of pure happiness filled Grace’s eyes, spilling over her cheeks like sparkling diamonds in the candlelight.
“Will you marry me, Grace?” Nathan asked softly. “Will you let me love you for the rest of our lives?”
Grace dropped to her knees right in front of him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder.
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“Yes!” Grace sobbed happily against his neck. “Yes, Nathan! A thousand times yes!”
Nathan laughed, pulling her tight against his chest, lifting her up as he stood. He slipped the sparkling diamond onto her finger, framing her face with his hands before pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss that washed away five years of pain and longing forever.
