Margot
Out on Boone’s front porch, I sit on a rocking chair with Amelia cuddled in my lap holding Crockett tightly to her. She won’t let him leave her side right now. While I comfort her by rubbing her back, I watch what’s happening in the front yard.
The police handcuffed the arsonist that tried to burn the cabin down and stuck him in the back of one of two police cars parked in the driveway. Thank God.
A small shiver of fear ripples through my body, as I think of what could have happened to me and Amelia if the arsonist had been successful
I’m still in disbelief over what happened, especially the fact that Boone’s father was behind it all. He really does hate my family with a fierce intensity that he’s willing to have people killed without thought or, I suspect, hesitation.
It doesn’t do any good to dwell on it, though.
The arsonist can’t try to hurt us again. We’re safe. Thanks to Boone.
And Boone said he would take care of his father. I trust him to do just that. He isn’t going to let anyone hurt us, not even his own blood.
I focus back on what’s in front of me. I see Boone who’s standing next to the police chief as they chat. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I know Boone is giving every detail of what occurred here.
Then, the chief holds something out to Boone. I only get a brief look. It’s something small, but I can’t tell what it is.
Boone smiles and gives the chief a firm handshake.
The chief moves towards his car and Boone heads toward Amelia, Crockett, and I sitting on the porch.
“Everything is okay and going to be taken care of, baby,” he tells me. “The police back in New York have my father in custody, my mother is dismantling the company, and the arsonist is being held with no offer of bail.”
He moves closer, and bends to give me a sweet kiss.
“I promise you, I would make sure no one could hurt you and Amelia, and I meant it. No one will be able to anymore.”
I feel a heavy weight disappear within me, taking away the fear and anxiety with it. I flash a smile up at Boone.
“Thank you, Boone,” I whisper.
“Anytime baby,” he responds.
I suddenly remember the chief handing Boone the small item.
“Um, what did the chief hand you before he left?” I ask bashfully.
He smiles widely. It’s a smile that lights up his whole face.
“It’s actually something I’ve been holding on to for quite some time now,” he says. “I had it stored in a safe deposit box in town and asked him to pick it up for me the other day.”
“Okay. So, what is it?” I prod him.
Suddenly he bends down on one knee in front of me on the porch. He takes out the small item the chief handed him out of his pocket. It’s a small velvet box. He pops the lid open to reveal what’s inside.
My heart skips a beat, and my breath hitches in my chest.
Holy shit.
When I asked him what the small item was I never thought it would be this.
A small diamond ring is nestled into the velvet of the box. It’s a silver band with a princess cut diamond.
It’s not big and flashy, but simple and perfect. It’s me.
I look at Boone in disbelief and anticipation.
“I bought this the week I first met you back in college, Margot. I know it was silly back then, especially since I couldn’t even muster the courage to ask you out on a date. But…I don’t know, it just felt right. It felt like I was meant to buy this ring back then, because on some level I knew you were it for me. You are the only woman I have ever loved with every fiber of my being. You are the only woman I’ve ever wanted to be with. Margot, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And Amelia.”
He nods his head towards our daughter who is still sitting in my lap looking between me and Boone with a smile only a child who is completely happy and excited could have.
“I want to love you, protect, and cherish you. I want to wake up every morning with you by my side and go to bed with you every night, now and forever. Will you make me the happiest man alive by becoming my wife?”
I cry tears of joy and happiness.
I thought I would never see this man ever again. He was the only man I’ve ever loved and wanted to be with, but it never seemed like it would work out.
Now. though? He’s down on one knee in front of me asking me to be his wife.
He could have any woman he wanted, but he’s chosen me.
“You, Boone Masters, have made me the happiest I have ever been these past few days,” I finally choke out. “You are an amazing father, friend, and lover. You are my other half, the only man for me, the only man I’ve ever loved. So, yes, Boone, I will gladly be your wife, now and forever.”
“Yes?” he asks a little stunned as if he didn’t actually believe I would say it.
“Yes! Yes, Boone, I will be your wife!” I say excitedly.
I stick out my left hand for him to slip the ring on to my finger. The cool metal glides easily and is a perfect fit.
“Fits like a glove,” Boone chuckles.
Amelia suddenly jumps off my lap with a tiny squeal. She bounces in place with Crockett dancing around her feet for a few seconds before flinging herself into Boone’s arms.
He wraps his arms around her.
“You happy, baby girl?”
“Yes! You and mommy are getting married!”
Boone chuckles.
He then releases her so she can jump around once more. Standing up, he holds out a hand to me. I place my hand in his, and he tugs me out of the rocking chair and into his arms. His lips crash into mine in an intense and passionate kiss.
When we break away to catch our breaths, we both have big smiles. Our foreheads touch and we look into each other’s eyes.
“We’re getting married,” I giggle.
“Hell, yes, we are baby,” he growls.
In this moment, in the arms of the man I love and our daughter joyfully skipping around the porch releasing infectious laughter into the air, I have never been happier.
I know with Boone, that it will only get better, and there will never be a dull day.