After I’m dressed up, I look in the mirror and I’m instantly floored by what stands in front of me. Corban has stuck a Post-it note on the mirror.

I’m sure you look amazing.

You steal my breath every time you walk into the room.

I love you forever and always.

     My heart races as heat rushes through my chest. People say everything happens for a reason. Well, all I can say is that meeting Corban by chance in that club seems like forever ago now. Considering everything that’s going on, it was by far one of the most incredible things that could have ever happened to me. I never imagined my life would turn out how it has, I have my happily ever after and I really hope Abby gets hers as well. I can see the love Blake has for her and I know she returns it, but is holding back. Perhaps not as much as what she did at first which is understandable given the circumstances.

Grabbing the shawl that’s sitting on the bed, I wrap it around myself, taking one more look in the mirror, my glowing smile greets me. The dress sits beautifully over my body. I’m sure either Flick or Rachel had a hand in helping him set this up once again. My hand dances over the simple diamond necklace making it sit perfectly on my chest.

Leaving the apartment, I walk to the elevator feeling beautiful and adored. I made sure to blow all the candles out in the apartment so as to not start a fire in the building. Now that would just put a damper on the night, I giggle to myself.

My excitement is bubbling over and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting up on the roof. Last time we were up there we had an amazing night.

I step off the elevator and make my way up the few stairs. My body is vibrating with anticipation at what lays behind the door. My shaking hand turns the handle and pushes it open, my chest constricts and I become breathless at the magical view before me.

Roses, and I mean roses, are everywhere. I cannot see anyone else up here. There’s a simply decorated round table in the middle of the space. I look around taking in the scene. It’s like something out of a movie. I’m sure I must be dreaming, things like this don’t happen to me. I actually pinch myself to make sure I’m not.

Walking over to the table, I hear the noises from streets below. Cars are going crazy with their horns, but it doesn’t ruin the moment at all, nothing could destroy it. I open the card.

Will you marry me, Melodi White?

(Turn around)

      I whip around with tears in my eyes. Glancing down there’s Corban on one knee before me holding out a ring. I can’t keep the tears at bay anymore and I become a blubbering mess. My eyes never leave Corban’s blazing blue eyes. He even has what looks like tears in his, but I can hardly see through my own, so probably not.

He clears his throat. “Melodi White, will you do me the pleasure of becoming my wife?” he asks out loud. My face falls into my hands as, the tears won’t stop. I nod furiously.

“Y…yes, I will.”

He stands up, placing the princess cut diamond ring upon my finger, before taking my face in his gentle hands and placing a vigorous kiss upon my lips.

“I have one more surprise.” Honestly, what more could he surprise me with? He steps out of my view and stands beside me. There before me are his parents, Flick, Liam, Rachel, Axel, Blake, Katie, and Abby. Seeing Abby, I burst out crying. I’m so glad she’s here and is able to celebrate this moment in time with me and my new family and friends. I walk toward her with my arms out and I notice she’s crying as well. We wrap each other up in an embrace and share this moment together, a moment we thought we would never have.

“I love you,” I whisper into her hair.

“I love you, too. I’m so proud of you.” We hug for a moment longer before we step back.

“I’m so glad I’m able to share this with you. I know these last few years haven’t been easy for either of us, but we have the chance now to take on the world together and be the sisters we once were.” I take a deep breath and wipe the few tears away from my cheeks. “Our bond is something that will last forever, no matter what.”

Abby says nothing and gives me a nod and another hug which says a thousand words on its own. I’m then swamped with congratulations and hugs and kisses by my new family to be. Life is perfect. Well, it is for now…

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Abby

Last night was beautiful. Corban is an amazing man. When he came to me and told me what he had planned, I knew he was the perfect match for my sister. She deserves the best and he is…well, apart from my Blake. He is my perfect. We had a great night last night. Corban planned it in a way that I could attend. So what’s better than a rooftop proposal? Boy, was it magical. There was light finger foods and lots of wine to go around. Melodi was a little bummed not to be able to have any, but there were delicious non-alcoholic drinks as well. Her man thought of everything.

I’m so happy for them both. With marriage out in the open, I wasn’t expecting Blake’s pillow talk last night when we got home. I wouldn’t have guessed that he has thought about it, but when he came out and said what he did, it stumped me.

“Would you want to get married?”

I’m instantly speechless. “Of course, I want to one day. Isn’t it every girl’s dream to wear that big white dress and be walked down the aisle by their dad?”

He simply nods. Even though there was silence, I could still hear his mind ticking over. “So not right now?” Did he really say that?

“I…I don’t know. Are you asking me?”

He shrugged, a little unsure of himself. “I would like us to be a family.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. Are you asking me?” My heart felt like it was going to jump right out of my chest. This wasn’t a conversation I thought we’d be having so soon after rekindling our relationship. I love him with every fibre of my being and I know he loves Katie. She’s even asked if she can call him Dad. Of course, I told her that he is her dad and she was so excited by that little fact. She thinks he’s amazing.

“I don’t have a ring for you, but yes, I’m asking if one day you’ll be my wife.”

I’m gobsmacked. It’s not the most romantic way of proposing to a girl, but I will take what I can. “Yes, ring or not, you’re the only man I’ve loved with my whole heart.” After those words had left my mouth, he claimed it with his.

Now I’m sitting in the apartment that seems more like a prison lately, thinking over the whole night. I still can’t believe that I’m going to marry the man who has consumed my thoughts over the last three years, and even before then. The day I met him in that park always plays out in my mind. I’m so grateful for him coming out of his way to talk and befriend me. I wasn’t looking for anything new because I only knew the way Jacob treated me. Of course, I was young and silly, never thinking I’d ever find anyone better. Boy, was I wrong. Blake showed me a whole new world. Now I get to prepare for a future together with our daughter and I couldn’t be more excited.

Looking around the living area, I watch Katie colouring in the new book that Blake had given her yesterday. He’s been spoiling her like crazy and she has him wrapped around her little finger already. They’re funny to watch play, he’ll even sit and play dolls with her. Making up for lost time I guess. I really want to take her out today to the park for a little while. She’s been amazing through everything without hardly any meltdowns. I know she hates being cooped up in here. Where we lived before coming out of hiding, we had a park across the road and we’d go there almost daily. She loved it. I’m sure Blake won’t mind if we go out to the park. He takes us there every couple of days because he doesn’t want us going out alone.