by Pandora Snow
"Oh no!" she gasps. "I've burnt the green beans. You two head outside while I fix another dish."
My arm encircles Rebecca's relaxed waist and I open the back door. She freezes two paces down the patio steps, a magical scene mesmerizing her soft eyes. I sweep her off her feet and walk her into the gazebo, a wreath of fresh lavender lining the rails.
I gently twirl her body towards me, setting her down and dropping to one knee. Her jaw falls open, the shocked glow of her eyes warming my heart.
"You've stood by me, Rebecca, through thick and thin. Knowing I had your love to come home to kept me safe four long years. I've struggled lately, and you've done nothing but support me. Being away from you for two days taught me the value of living in the present moment, and relishing each precious second we share. I'm a better man inside and out because I have you."
She's allowing the tears to fall freely as I bask in her spellbound eyes. I reach for the box in my pocket and gently take her left hand.
"I love you, Rebecca Rose Martin, and our blessed baby. Will you marry me?"
As I open the box, she loses all composure, both of our hands shaking as I slide the ring onto her finger. I catch her fall, lifting her around the waist as I stand to hold her tight. She's sobbing with joy, her mother actually clapping in the background as Rebecca lays her trembling lips on mine.
"Yes, Drake, a million times yes. I love you too." We stand quietly, embracing the warmth flowing between our hearts. I hand her the handkerchief I discreetly placed in my pocket. She wipes her eyes and brings our hands together, resting them on her stomach.
"How did you know?" she asks, my eyes glancing over at Mrs. Martin, who's practically running to cradle Rebecca.
I move her into her mother's loving arms as Mr. Martin walks over and shakes my hand.
"Congratulations, son. Make my daughter proud."
He could not have bestowed a more cherishing gift than calling me son.
We stroll towards the kitchen, the twinkling stars outshone tonight by my celestial girl.
"Wait, take our picture," I say, handing Mrs. Martin my phone.
"I want to remember tonight, and the look in your beautiful eyes, forever." She leans up for a kiss and the snaps are taken.
I feel as though I've lived a thousand lives in the last week. Every painful minute we were apart was worth the price to be with Rebecca in eternal wedded bliss. I shoot a picture to Everett as Mrs. Martin is setting the hot dishes on the table.
"Thank you. It's officially forever."
"Congrats! Michelle wants you to bring Rebecca up in the next two weeks. Deal?"
"Deal, brother."
We toast to our engagement, our baby, and our newfound family bonds. "I love you," she says, taking a sip of sparkling cider.
"I love you too. My life is complete."
THREE MONTHS LATER
"The baby likes classical music. You can feel her kicking," Rebecca says softly, moving my hand to her growing belly.
"I didn't think you could be more beautiful, but seeing you glow with pride during pregnancy is breathtaking."
Rebecca and I moved to Fort Bragg a month ago to be near the squad. Her parents were incredibly understanding, ensuring we found an apartment with a spare bedroom to visit often. I have a sneaking suspicion they'll end up moving here too.
The therapist I transferred to came highly recommended. Dr. Fletcher is helping me continue to release my traumatic memories. I haven't had a nightmare in over eight weeks.
Matthis wouldn't allow me to see anyone else. We've solidified our friendship, and we’ve all learned to accept support from each other.
Working with Everett at Linden Labs has been another unexpected blessing. He's brought me up to speed quickly, and I'm earning enough income for Rebecca to take an extended maternity leave when the baby arrives.
"A toast to the happy couple!" Cyrus says, another tray of beers being passed around.
"May your joys be as deep as the ocean and your troubles as light as its foam."
"Cheers!" we ring out, a true celebration of devotion and love.
"We'll plan our wedding once the baby is a few months old. I need all the sleep I can get right now."
"Anything for you, Rebecca," I smile across her lips.
If she only knew.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
Copyright © 2020 By Pandora Snow
All rights Reserved
In no way is it legal to produce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless written permission from the publisher. All rights are reserved. Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
