Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BENEATH THE AUTUMN TREES
One year later, Daniel proposed.
Not at a gala.
Not in a ballroom.
Not beneath chandeliers.
He took Emma and Lily to a small orchard outside Burlington.
The trees were bright with autumn leaves.
The air smelled of apples.
Lily wore yellow rain boots.
They spent the afternoon picking apples.
Laughing.
Taking photographs.
Then Daniel led them toward a quiet clearing.
Emma frowned.
“What's going on?”
Lily giggled.
“Secret.”
Emma looked at Daniel.
He smiled nervously.
He knelt.
Emma covered her mouth.
Daniel opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a beautiful ring.
“Emma Carlisle.”
His voice trembled.
“Four years ago, we lost each other because we didn't know how to face something painful together.”
Emma's eyes filled.
Daniel continued.
“We can't change that.”
He looked toward Lily.
“But we can choose what happens next.”
Lily stepped closer.
“Mommy?”
Emma laughed through her tears.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
Lily held out a small drawing.
Three people.
Holding hands.
A house.
A tree.
And a sun.
Daniel smiled.
“I love you.”
His eyes filled.
“And I love the family we've built.”
He took a breath.
“Will you marry me?”
Emma began crying.
“Yes.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“Yes?”
She nodded.
“Yes, Daniel.”
Lily screamed.
“YAY!”
Daniel laughed.
Emma knelt to hug her.
May you like
Then Daniel wrapped his arms around both of them.
And beneath the autumn trees, the family that had spent years apart finally stood together.
