Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE MADE BENEATH THE TEXAS STARS
Nathaniel proposed on a quiet evening in the Texas Hill Country.
Not at a vineyard.
Not in front of a crowd.
Not beneath an arch of white roses.
He took me to a small overlook outside Fredericksburg.
We brought sandwiches.
A blanket.
And a bottle of sparkling cider.
The sky turned pink.
Then gold.
Then deep blue.
I sat beside him watching the stars appear.
“This is perfect.”
Nathaniel smiled.
“Good.”
I looked at him.
He seemed nervous.
“Nathaniel?”
He took a breath.
“Madison.”
My heart began racing.
He reached into his jacket.
A small velvet box.
I covered my mouth.
He opened it.
Inside was a beautiful ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
Exactly my style.
“Madison Hale.”
His voice trembled.
“I know what you've been through.”
My eyes filled.
“And I know promises can be frightening when someone has broken them before.”
He took my hand.
“But I want to make one anyway.”
I swallowed.
Nathaniel continued.
“I promise to tell you the truth.”
“To listen when you disagree.”
“To stand beside you when life gets difficult.”
His eyes filled.
“And to never make you feel like you have to compete for a place in my heart.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
“Will you marry me?”
I laughed through my tears.
“Yes.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes.
“Yes?”
I nodded.
“Yes, Nathaniel.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Then kissed me beneath the stars.
We didn't rush the wedding.
We planned it together.
Carefully.
May you like
Joyfully.
And this time, every decision felt like ours.
