Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BESIDE THE LAKE
Two years later, Desmond took me to Lake Michigan.
It was early autumn.
The sky was clear.
The water shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
We walked and rolled along the accessible path.
Desmond had regained some neurological function.
With specialized equipment and therapy, he could stand briefly during supervised sessions.
But he still used his wheelchair for everyday mobility.
He no longer treated that as failure.
He had also changed his life.
The criminal operations connected to the Gallagher organization were being investigated and dismantled.
Desmond had cooperated with authorities through his legal team.
He focused on lawful businesses and community investments.
The transition had cost him money.
Power.
And relationships.
But it gave him something he'd never had.
Peace.
We stopped beside the water.
Desmond looked at me.
"Claire."
I smiled.
"Yes?"
"Do you remember the first thing you said to me?"
I laughed.
"That you were an arrogant pain in the ass?"
He grinned.
"Something like that."
I leaned against the railing.
"You deserved it."
He nodded.
"I did."
Then his expression softened.
"You were the first person who didn't treat me like I was already gone."
My eyes filled.
"Desmond."
He reached into his jacket.
My heart stopped.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a beautiful ring.
I stared.
"Claire Bennett."
His voice trembled.
"I can't promise I'll ever walk the way I used to."
I shook my head.
"I don't need you to."
He smiled.
"I can't promise life will always be easy."
I laughed through tears.
"Nothing about you has ever been easy."
He laughed.
Then took my hand.
"But I can promise that I'll never stop choosing you."
His eyes filled.
"Will you marry me?"
I covered my mouth.
"Yes."
He smiled.
"Yes?"
I laughed.
"Yes, you impossible man."
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
May you like
Then pulled me into his arms.
And beside the lake, the man who had once believed his life was over began a new chapter.
