Chapter 14 - FOUR HEARTS AND ONE PROMISE
Two years later, Dante proposed.
Not in a ballroom.
Not at a gala.
Not in front of wealthy guests.
He proposed in the garden behind his home.
Maya was five.
Leo was nearly three.
They had become inseparable.
Maya called him her little brother.
Leo followed her everywhere.
That afternoon, Dante asked me to walk with him.
The garden was filled with white flowers.
I smiled.
“What's going on?”
He laughed nervously.
“Something important.”
Then he lowered himself onto one knee.
My breath caught.
“Dante.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Clare Jensen.”
My eyes filled.
“The first time I met you, you helped my son when I couldn't.”
He swallowed.
“You didn't ask who I was.”
“You didn't ask what I could give you.”
“You simply saw a child who needed help.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks.
Dante continued.
“You taught me that love isn't control.”
“It's trust.”
“It's patience.”
“And it's choosing each other every day.”
He smiled.
“Will you marry me?”
I laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Dante's eyes widened.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Yes, Dante.”
He stood.
I threw my arms around him.
Behind us, Maya shouted.
“DOES THIS MEAN LEO IS MY BROTHER FOREVER?”
We burst out laughing.
Dante looked at her.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
May you like
Leo clapped.
And for the first time, the family we'd been building felt complete.
