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“Oh, that’s what I like to hear. Can I tell you something, my darling?”

“What is it?”

“I love seeing the joy on your face. I love knowing I make you happy. I love being with you. I love that you’ve changed my life, and I hope in some way, I’ve changed yours.”

“Sage always says life is about being happy and living for joy, and she is right. I’m so glad we didn’t play it safe.”

“So am I. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. It’s so important to me to know that you feel like I brought the same bliss to your life that you brought to mine.”

“I mean, yeah, you have.”

“Did I tell you I spoke to the attorney, and we’re going to close on the property in two weeks?”

“No. I didn’t know you’d get the trust that quickly.”

“Grandfather’s putting the money down.” He turns to me. “He was a veteran himself, and he’s really excited we’re going forward with this. He’s even going to set aside funding for it every year. I’m so grateful he’s supporting me, and I’m proud to be his grandson.”

“I guess I should start getting ready for Saturday comedy nights at the home?”

“Only if I get to be in the front row, supporting you and laughing at all your jokes.”

“I’d better make them funny then.” I giggle and nudge him as he wiggles his eyebrows.

He grabs my hand and stares at the ring that I’ve moved to another finger. My heart thuds as he runs his finger across the diamond.

“I’m so glad you’re still wearing the ring. I love it on you.” His voice is husky, and my mind immediately goes back to the night he gave me the ring, right before plunging deep inside of me.

“I do love it, and I don’t feel bad about wearing it now that I’m not pretending it’s an engagement ring.”

“It is a promise though,” he says, kissing my palm. “A promise that I will always love you. I’m so happy, Rosie.”

“I’m so happy for you, my darling. I think the home is going to be amazing. And I know if Charlie were still alive, he’d be so proud of you.”

“I dreamed about him last night. He said he thought you were the prettiest woman in the room. It felt absolutely amazing. It almost felt like he was alive again. I suppose that was him giving us his blessing. He would’ve wanted me to be happy. I see that now.”

I reach over and take his hands. “So, you’re not carrying the guilt anymore?”

“I think part of me will always carry a little guilt because I wasn’t there that night. But I don’t feel guilty for loving you or for being happy with you. I just feel lucky. And I want to make sure I’m the man you deserve and need.” He pauses. “And I’m a little scared your sister isn’t going to like that we’re together.”

“Oh, Sage just wants me to be happy. If I’m happy with you, she’ll be okay.”

“She didn’t seem to like me much when we first met.”

“Because you were so closed off. She knew giving my heart to you could lead to heartbreak. But now that she sees you’ve opened up and that you love me too, I promise she’ll welcome you into the family with open arms.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I like her. I think she’s strong and amazing, and she’s been through so much. I know she’s been a great sister to you.”

“She’s the very best,” I say.

We get out of the car and head toward the apartment.

“I wonder what Izzy and Lucia are going to do,” Brett says, grabbing my hand.

“They’re probably going to go crazy, but that’s okay.”

We walk into the apartment, and Izzy is sitting on the couch.

She looks up in surprise. “Oh, hey there. Oh, Brett, I didn’t see you there. What’s going on?”