Epilogue
The Sunday after Valentine's Day, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Allen leaned back against the large driftwood and smiled at Sara and Beast playing in the surf. He knew the water was probably very cold, but they splashed around like neither of them cared.
The large picnic blanket and empty plates around him would have to be packed up soon, judging by the level of the sun, but for now he smiled and laughed at his two greatest loves playing in the water.
Mr. Mathis had been released when his wife had confessed to stalking Sara. Allen had been told by Robert that the woman was being evaluated at the local hospital for mental stability. Apparently, she'd been posing as a prospective home buyer in Pride. She'd been going around town telling everyone she was moving in soon.
Watching the pair play in the water, her hair flowing wild in the wind, he remembered what she'd looked like last night wearing the sexy lace she'd surprised him with. He'd been shocked and pleased and had enjoyed taking his time slowly peeling it off her.
How had he gotten so lucky? Sara laughed and he looked over. Here he was on the perfect beach, with the dog, and the woman of his dream from so long ago. Just then Beast rushed up to him and stood and shook himself clean of the water. Beads of water smelling like wet dog rained down on him and the blanket.
“Beast!” He jumped up and tried to escape the attack. Sara laughed from her position by the water.
“He just wants you to join in the fun.” She smiled and tossed a stick into the water. Beast bolted after it.
Allen walked over and grabbed Sara around the waist, spinning her around. “What do you say we head home and have a different kind of fun?” He leaned over and kissed her until both their heads were spinning.
“Mmm, sounds like a great plan.” She started walking backwards, but he stopped her.
“This is going to last, you and I.” She stopped and looked up at him.
“Of course it is.” She smiled, holding his hand.
“Good. I don't want it to ever end.” He pulled her closer.
“Never.” She smiled up at him.
“Good, then you won't have any objections when we get married.”
“Of course not.” She smiled at him, looking pleased.
“Good. Just so you know, that's where this is heading.”
“That's good. Because I was starting to figure out how to bake another cake for you.”
“Oh, no. What would this one look like?”
She smiled and stood back from him, her arms crossed over her chest, her head tilted to the side as if thinking. “One with you down on one knee, a diamond ring in your hands.”
He laughed. “Like this one?” He pulled a small box out of his pocket. His sister had brought him his grandmother's ring last month. He'd brought it along today knowing the time was right. That Sara was the right person.
She looked stunned, much to his enjoyment.
“Well?” He nodded towards the box. “Don't you want to see it?”
She took the small box from his hands. Her fingers shook as she flipped the lid open.
“It was my grandmother's, so it's a little old-fashioned.”
“It's perfect.” She looked up at him quickly. “It's perfect,” she repeated.
“Good.” He smiled as he removed the ring and waited for her to hold out her fingers so he could slip it onto her ring finger. He dropped down on his knee. Beast came running over, thinking it was a new game. After several attempts to push him away, Sara said,
“Sit.” Beast sat and looked up at her.
“Perfect. Now you can both propose.” She smiled and nodded. “Continue.”
He laughed.
“Sara, would you do me…um…us, the honor of marrying me…um, us?” He slid the ring on her finger.
“Yes!” She smiled and pulled his hand until they were spinning as the dog ran circles around them.
If you’ve enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review where you purchased it. Thanks! --Jill
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