Chapter 18 - The Proposal
Two years after the sanctuary opened, Julian asked me to take a walk with him at sunset.
We walked to the highest hill on the property, looking down at the beautiful, thriving community we had built.
The sky was painted in brilliant shades of pink, purple, and fiery orange.
Julian stopped walking and turned to face me, taking both of my hands in his.
“Sophie, meeting you completely changed my life,” he started, his voice thick with emotion.
“You are the strongest, bravest, most compassionate woman I have ever known.”
He slowly dropped to one knee, pulling a small, simple velvet box from his coat pocket.
Inside was a delicate, beautiful vintage ring, nothing like the massive, gaudy diamond Mark had given me.
“I don't want a massive corporation, and I don't want to control your life.”
“I just want to stand by your side and love you forever.”
“Will you marry me, Sophie?”
Tears of pure, absolute joy streamed down my cheeks.
I did not hesitate for a single second.
“Yes,” I whispered, pulling him up into a passionate, breathtaking kiss.
May you like
There were no shadows looming over us, and no hidden agendas lurking in the dark.
It was just pure, unfiltered, completely authentic love.
