Chapter 19 - A Promise KeptThat evening, back on Wellington Street, the sunset painted the sky in brilliant shades of amber, violet, and gold.
The neighborhood was peaceful, filled with the gentle sound of children playing and neighbors greeting each other across white picket fences.
Samuel walked out onto the wraparound porch, holding a small velvet box in his hand.
Clara stood by the porch railing, watching Emma and Lily chase fireflies across the emerald-green lawn. She turned around as Samuel walked up beside her, a soft, questioning smile touching her lips.
"What's that?" Clara asked, nodding toward the small box.
Samuel didn't answer with words. He dropped down gracefully onto one knee right there on the wooden boards of the porch where their journey had collided months ago.
Clara’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in disbelief as Samuel clicked open the velvet box, revealing a sparkling diamond ring resting against satin.
"Ten years ago, I walked away because I was afraid of being poor," Samuel said, his voice steady, clear, and filled with deep, unwavering devotion. "And I spent years building an empire that meant nothing without the people I left behind. Clara, you and the girls are my real home. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"
May you like
Tears spilled over Clara's lashes, a radiant, beautiful smile breaking across her face.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, a million times yes."
