Forever Saved - Kathleen Brooks Page 0,89

too.” Stella smiled as she moved her head against his shoulder to look up at Jace and then back out at the sunset.

“I wonder where Jimmy went off to?” Jace glanced around and then whistled. “Jimmy, come!” he yelled out.

Off in the distance Stella heard a happy yip and smiled. She was in her favorite place with the man she loved and her dog. Could it be any more perfect?

Jimmy bounded over and Stella’s brow creased as she looked at her dog. Why was there a big red bow on his neck? Where had that come from?

“Thank you, Jimmy.” Jace scratched the dog’s head and slid from the bench to pull the ribbon free.

“What is it? Where did that ribbon come from?” Stella asked as she tried to see past Jace’s back to where he was taking the ribbon off her dog.

“Jimmy was holding something for me,” Jace said with his back still to her. “Jimmy, down.”

Jimmy went down immediately as Jace turned on his knee. In front of her, Jimmy laid still with only his tail thumping wildly with Jace next to him on one knee. Stella’s hand automatically went to her heart. Was this what she thought it was? Jace held up his fingers and between them was a diamond ring. Tears and her breath rushed from her in surprise.

“Jimmy and I have discussed this. I told him I love your heart and soul, always and forever. He approves of me spoiling you both for the rest of our lives. I told him how much you’ve come to mean to me, and how I feel complete with you by my side. You’re my best friend and the woman I love. There is nothing that would make me happier than to have the honor of calling you my wife. I told Jimmy this, and he’s given his blessing for me to ask you my question. Stella Winters, will you marry me?”

Her heart beat wildly as her whole body seemed to be shaking. She blinked back the tears and nodded. It wasn’t the pretty reaction she’d thought she’d have. Her eyes were red as tears trickled down her cheeks and she was sure her nose was red, too. She sniffled and smiled down at him.

“Yes, Jace! I’d marry you right now a million times over.”

She held out her trembling hand and they laughed as he slid the ring onto her finger. Jace surged upward and then she was in his arms. Jimmy was barking excitedly and jumping in to try to kiss her, too. Then the buzzing noise was back and louder than ever, but Stella didn’t care anymore. She was kissing her future husband and had never known such happiness.

But then it wasn’t just buzzing that Stella heard. It was cheering, clapping, and whistling.

Jace and Stella pulled back and looked toward the barn as a huge crowd poured out of it. April and Cricket were teetering hand in hand toward them. Behind them were Karl and Eden, Tammy and Pierce, Piper and Aiden, and Cassidy. Then behind them was . . . well, everyone.

“Congratulations!”

At the deep voice behind her, Stella turned to see Dylan clasping Jace in a tight brotherly hug. “Where did you come from?” Stella asked in shock.

“I was holding Jimmy out of sight until Jace called him. Welcome to the family, sis.”

Dylan hugged her and lifted her feet off the ground. As soon as they were back on the ground, two little bodies grabbed each leg. Cricket was hugging one and April the other.

“Uncle Jace!” April then cried out before letting go of Stella and jumping into Jace’s outstretched arms.

Cricket shook her head. “He’s brother Jace.”

“I’m your brother, Cricket. I’m going to be April’s uncle. But guess what?” Jace asked his sister.

“What?”

“You, me, Stella, April, and her parents are all going to be family.”

“Family!” April said, wiggling down from Jace’s arms. The two little girls embraced as they jumped around singing, “Family! Family!”

“You did all of this?” Stella asked, looking around at everyone coming their way.

“I’d like to say I did, but I’m not responsible for them. I’m responsible for Jimmy and Dylan.” Jace looked up at the same time she did. “There’s your buzzing sound.”

“What is that?” Stella asked about the black object in the sky.

“A drone,” Jace said with a laugh a moment before their families covered them in hugs, kisses, and best wishes.

Champagne appeared, lights were turned on, and suddenly a party broke out. Stella took it all in as everyone celebrated their