One year later…

~E~

Knox and I are strong.

It's been amazing. There have been ups and downs, highs, and lows. But we've battled and pushed through.

Our business has been successful, and while I had my anxieties about working together and dating, it's worked out well. We hardly see each other during the day and have a good team of front staff assisting us.

Knox's family is doing well. Jane is happy with her boyfriend and we hang out together a lot. His parents are well and Ethan is progressing. He's had some slip ups but he's held out and remains living in the sober home permanently for now.

As far as my family, it hasn't been smooth.

My father left my mother. I met up with him for a coffee a few weeks after it happened, and he explained to me why he couldn't tolerate her anymore. He apologized for not being the best father, but his marriage was in constant turmoil and he checked out rather than deal with it.

We agreed to remain in touch and so far, we have.

I haven't spoken to my mother since the time I walked out of her house, nor have I spoken to Melissa. We had words on the phone. She refused to tell me why she had coffee with Knox and gave me grief about getting pregnant. Fortunately, Knox told me the details of their meeting, and while I was sad to hear about her husband’s addiction problem, I won’t offer help to her unless she were to come to me about it. I doubt that’ll happen. I don't even know if I can ever totally forgive either of them for abandoning me during my time of need.

Connie's death and losing my baby shook me to the core and it wasn't easy to heal from.

But, now I have Knox and my practice, and I couldn't be happier.

Breaking the rules brought me love. Rules are meant to broken... not hearts.

* * *

Tonight, Knox has a surprise for me. I can't wait to find out what it is. He sent me out for an afternoon of spa treatments. I got my nails and toes painted, a nice massage on my back, and I relaxed in a sauna. When I return home later on, the house is dark, lit only by candle light. There are candles lit all over, and there is a candle lit dinner set up for two people. Knox glides up to me, wrapping his arms around me.

"Hey there, gorgeous."

"Hey baby, what is all of this?" I wave my hand around to the room.

"A delicious dinner for two." Knox spins me around to face him, grinning down at me.

"Really? For me? What's the special occasion?" I stare up at him, wondering what is going on.

"Oh, nothing really, but after dinner, we're going to have some fun together."

I laugh as Knox brings me over to the dinner table, helping me to sit.

After a lovely dinner, Knox leads me into the bedroom, our entire bed is covered in rose petals. But right in the center is a letter, with a neatly wrapped gift next to it.

I turn to look back at Knox but he doesn't give anything away, just nods at me, encouraging me to move towards the bed.

I sit down on the edge and lift the letter, bringing it close to me so I can read the words.

My Love, My Everything—

I wrote you a letter once before.

I asked you to open a business with me and to be with me.

But, now, I write you another letter, with another question.

First, let me tell you something.

You're the best thing that's happened to me.

I know I pushed you away at the beginning. I was so scared, so afraid to take the risk of love.

But, you proved to me, that love is worth the risk.

Love is worth breaking the rules and trusting your heart.

And now, I ask you the most important question I'll ever ask you.

Turn around, my love.

Tears are pouring down my face as I glance down at Knox, who is down on one knee, holding out the most beautiful diamond ring I've ever seen.

"Will you marry me, Emma?" Knox's voice rings strong and true.

I throw the letter down, not having to give the question any thought. Of course my answer is yes, it'll always be yes.

I scream yes and crash my body against his. He falls backwards, both of us laughing hysterically, our tears mixing together as we attack each other with kisses.

Knox grabs my hand and slips the ring on. "Now you really are mine. I love you Emma."

"I love you too, Knox." I crush my mouth against his, losing myself in him.

I lean back and stare down at him as I run my hand along his face.

"I have a surprise for you, too" I smile through tears as Knox wraps his arms around me.

"Oh yeah, what's that?" Knox kisses the tears slipping down my cheeks.

"I'm pregnant."

Knox's entire face breaks into a huge grin before his lips find mine.

No more rules. Our circle is complete.

The End