Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BENEATH THE RAIN
Ronan proposed on a rainy evening.
Not in a restaurant.
Not in front of cameras.
Not beneath chandeliers.
He proposed in Sadie's kitchen.
She was wearing sweatpants.
Her hair was messy.
A pot of pasta boiled on the stove.
Ronan stood beside the counter holding a small velvet box.
Sadie stared.
“What are you doing?”
He smiled.
“Trying not to look terrified.”
She laughed.
“Ronan Hayes? Terrified?”
“Completely.”
He took her hand.
“Sadie, I love you.”
Her eyes filled.
“I love you too.”
“I don't want to own your life.”
She smiled.
“I know.”
“I don't want you to feel you owe me anything.”
“I don't.”
He nodded.
“I want to build a life with you. One where you can disagree with me, leave a room when you need space, and always know your choices matter.”
Sadie began crying.
Ronan knelt.
“Sadie Bennett, will you marry me?”
She stared at him.
Then laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“Yes, Ronan.”
He stood.
She kissed him.
The pasta boiled over.
Neither noticed.
***
They married six months later.
A small ceremony.
Close friends.
Family.
Hannah served as Sadie's maid of honor.
Rebecca attended.
Thomas sent a handwritten letter apologizing again for failing to notice her injuries sooner.
Sadie kept the letter.
Not because she needed the apology.
Because it reminded her that people could learn.
***
Ronan wore a dark suit.
Sadie wore a simple ivory dress.
No heavy makeup.
No high collar.
No hidden bruises.
She walked down the aisle smiling.
When she reached Ronan, he took her hands.
His voice trembled during the vows.
“I promise never to use fear as a way to keep you close.”
Sadie's eyes filled.
“I promise to speak honestly, even when it's difficult.”
They exchanged rings.
Then kissed.
The guests applauded.
Outside, rain began falling softly.
Sadie laughed.
Ronan looked toward the windows.
“Of course.”
She smiled.
“What?”
“Rain.”
She squeezed his hand.
“I like it.”
He looked at her.
“Why?”
May you like
“Because this time, I'm not afraid to go home.”
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