Chapter 8 - The Question beneath the Oaks
Six months later, on a golden autumn evening, Ethan arranged a private dinner in the rose gardens of the Carter estate.
Fairy lights twinkled in the towering hundred-year-old live oaks. A live acoustic guitar duo played soft melodies as the sunset painted the Texas sky in shades of amber, rose, and deep violet.
Daisy, now fully healthy and energetic, ran through the grass alongside Mason, Michael, and Madison, playing tag with our rescued golden retriever.
Ethan walked over to where I was standing in an ivory lace dress, wrapping his arms securely around my waist.
"Look at them, Naomi," Ethan smiled softly. "They are finally whole."
Ethan stepped back, dropping onto one knee on the lush green grass.
The four children immediately stopped playing, running over with wide, excited grins.
Ethan pulled a velvet box from his pocket, opening the lid to reveal a flawless, six-carat radiant-cut yellow diamond ring surrounded by a halo of brilliant white diamonds.
"Naomi Johnson," Ethan said, his voice resonant with boundless devotion. "Will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man alive and let us build an eternity of love together?"
Mason, Michael, Madison, and Daisy jumped up and down, chanting together: "Say yes! Say yes, Mommy!"
Tears of pure, radiant joy spilled over my cheeks.
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"Yes, Ethan!" I laughed through my tears. "Yes, a thousand times yes!"
Ethan lifted me into his arms, spinning me beneath the twinkling lights, kissing me passionately as our four children cheered and wrapped their arms around our legs.
