Chapter 9 - A Promise Made
That autumn, the ranch transformed into a gold-and-amber paradise. The construction of the foundation facility was well underway, and Ava had enrolled in an inclusive local school where she was excelling.
One evening, Damian asked Natalie to join him for a walk to the highest hill on the property, which overlooked the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.
The sky was painted in brilliant shades of violet, orange, and gold. Ava was running down below with Thomas—who had retired from security to become the ranch's head groundskeeper—chasing grasshoppers in the field.
"Remember the day we met?" Damian asked, standing beside her as the cool breeze brushed through the grass.
"How could I forget?" Natalie smiled. "You walked into Bellamy & Stone looking like a storm clouds, and I thought my life was completely ruined."
"I was a broken man that day," Damian admitted, looking down at his hands. "I thought money and fear were the only ways to keep my daughter safe. I thought love was a vulnerability that got people killed."
He stepped in front of her, taking both of her hands in his.
"Then a brave woman risked her livelihood to protect my child with a cashmere wrap and a soft melody. You taught me that strength isn't about control or weapons. It’s about compassion."
Damian dropped down onto one knee.
Natalie’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat.
From his pocket, Damian pulled out a velvet box. Inside rested a breathtaking, understated ring—a brilliant pear-cut diamond set on a simple platinum band.
"Natalie Carter, you saved my daughter, and you saved my soul," Damian said, his voice thick with emotion. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you make our family complete?"
Tears poured down Natalie’s cheeks. She didn't hesitate for a single second.
"Yes!" she cried out. "Yes, Damian! A thousand times yes!"
Damian slipped the ring onto her finger, standing up to pull her into a tight, lifting embrace. He spun her around under the setting sun as she laughed tears of pure happiness.
Down in the field, Ava heard the cheer and came running up the hill as fast as her small legs could carry her.
"What happened? What happened?" Ava asked, breathously stopping beside them.
Damian knelt down, putting one arm around Ava and the other around Natalie. "Natalie said she’s going to marry us, sweetie."
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Ava’s face lit up with the radiant joy only a child could possess. She threw her small arms around both of their necks, pulling them close.
"Best day ever!" Ava shouted.
