Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BENEATH THE BRIDGE
Elliot proposed to Nora one year later.
Not in a luxury restaurant.
Not in a penthouse.
Not beneath chandeliers.
He proposed during a trip to the mountain region where Valdorne had once stood.
Nora had traveled there with historians to document surviving records.
Elliot joined her.
Together, they visited the remains of the old stone bridge.
Snow covered the mountains.
A narrow river flowed beneath the arch.
Nora stood silently.
“This is where they were separated.”
Elliot nodded.
She touched the cold stone.
For a moment, she imagined her grandmother as a frightened little girl.
Waiting beneath the bridge.
Hoping her brother would return.
Tears filled Nora's eyes.
Elliot stepped beside her.
“She survived.”
Nora nodded.
“And she never stopped looking.”
He took her hand.
“Nora.”
She turned.
Elliot smiled nervously.
“I've spent most of my life thinking success meant building something people couldn't take away.”
She watched him.
“But you taught me that the most important things aren't things.”
He reached into his coat.
Then knelt.
Nora covered her mouth.
“Elliot.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Will you marry me?”
Tears streamed down her face.
She laughed.
“Yes.”
Elliot smiled.
“Yes?”
“Yes!”
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
And beneath the snow-covered mountains, they kissed.
May you like
Not far from the place where two children had once been separated.
A new family was beginning.
