Chapter Nineteen
Jake stood up, looking around the circle of friends he’d known since returning home. All vets, except for Pixie, of course. But she acted like a vet, always helping others without any expectation of a thank-you. He gave Lily a look and saw a question in her eyes. Managing a nervous smile, he said, “You’re all family to me. And we’ve gone a long, hard road with one another. Over the past year or so, I’ve seen so many of you find a military vet partner and it’s made your life so much better.”
He cleared his throat, giving Lily a tender glance. “My life just got better when Lily walked into this cabin. I wasn’t expecting to ever be lucky like the rest of you, to find love.” His voice fell with emotion. “But I have. With her,” and he touched her shoulder. “I thought today would be a good time to ask Lily if she’d marry me when she’s good and ready . . .” and he gave her a loving look.
Lily gulped, blinked like an owl, her entire focus on Jake standing next to her, his large, warm hand on her shoulder.
The living room quieted.
Lily reached up, touching Jake’s hip. “Yes, I love you. And I’m happy just to live with you, Jake.”
“No,” he said, shaking his head, “this has to be official, darling.” He lifted his hand from her shoulder and dug into his pocket. Producing a small black velvet box, he opened it. “This is my promise to you that I’ll cherish and love you the rest of my life . . .” and he held the diamond engagement ring toward her to take.
His heart was beating heavily in his chest. Never had Jake wanted anything more than this brave woman. Lily’s eyes grew huge at the beauty of the engagement ring he held out to her, and then her gaze flew to his. “Well? What’s your decision?” he teased, his voice low with so much feeling.
She took the ring out of the box. “Slide it on my finger?”
Tears jammed into his eyes, and it took everything he had to force them back. His fingers were huge, and the ring platinum and delicate. Fumbling, he finally got the ring situated correctly so that, as Lily held out her long, slender hand, he eased it on her finger. It fit beautifully, and she blushed. But her eyes, those crystalline blue eyes of hers through which he could see to her soul, were shining with such love for him.
She stood up, giving everyone a nervous smile. “I didn’t expect this . . .”
There were cheers and clapping all around them as everyone celebrated the good news.
Lily slipped her hands across Jake’s broad shoulders, standing up on tiptoe, her mouth meeting his. All the boisterous sounds dissolved as she melted beneath his mouth, which moved so worshipfully across hers. Tears dribbled out of her shut eyes, down her cheeks, the salty warmth of them tasted between them. It was a forever kiss, so warm and welcoming, a new chapter in their lives—together.