Page 52 of Heart of a Hero

As Nora and Mom headed into the kitchen to decorate sugar cookies, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with Dad, his expression unreadable. He discreetly slipped something into my hand, and I glanced down to see a small velvet box nestled in my palm.

My heart began to race as realization dawned. This was it. The moment I’d been waiting for.

Dad leaned in close, his voice low and gruff. “Don’t screw this up, son. She’s a good one.”

I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the box. “I know, Dad. Trust me, I know.”

With a curt nod, he clapped me on the back and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. It was now or never. I wasn’t sure when but my grandfather and Darian had also left the room.

I went to stand beside the tree, then called out to Nora. She came in, smiling as she drew closer.

“What’s up?” she asked.

I took her hand in mine, marveling at how perfectly it fit. “Can we talk for a minute? There’s something I need to say.”

Her brow furrowed in concern, but she nodded, allowing me to lead her closer to the tree. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of sugar cookies wafting from the kitchen. Jesus. My parents had really gone all out for this.

I turned to face her, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure she could hear it. “Nora, I know we’ve only known each other a short while, but they’ve been the best days of my life. You’ve shown me what it means to love and be loved, and I can’t imagine my future without you both in it.”

Her eyes widened, her lips parting in a soft gasp as I sank to one knee before her. I fumbled with the box, my fingers trembling as I opened it to reveal the glittering diamond ring nestled inside.

“I love you, Nora. More than I ever thought possible. You’re my everything, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you and Taylor as happy as you’ve made me.” I paused to place my hand over her belly. “And the baby. Will you marry me?”

Time seemed to stand still as I waited for her answer, my heart in my throat. This was the moment that would define the rest of our lives, and I knew with every fiber of my being I wanted nothing more than to be hers forever.

Tears welled up in Nora’s eyes, catching the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and sparkling like precious gems. A mixture of surprise and overwhelming joy played across her face as she clasped her hands to her mouth.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, Dawson, I’ll marry you. I love you so much, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

My heart soared as I slipped the ring onto her finger, marveling at how perfectly it fit. I didn’t know how he’d known I’d want to propose to her tonight, but I had a feeling my mother had helped with this one. The ring looked like it belonged on Nora’s finger, which meant my mother had most likely selected it. As much as I’d have liked to be the one to buy it, I knew this meant I had the full approval of my parents. That meant more to me than anything else.

I rose to my feet, pulling her into my arms and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. In that moment, everything else faded away. The world narrowed down to just the two of us, our hearts beating as one.

Suddenly, cheers erupted from the doorway, startling us both. We turned to see Taylor, my mom and dad, and everyone else standing there, their faces beaming with excitement and love. Well, except Foster, who’d snuck in when I wasn’t paying attention. He just smirked at me. It seemed they had been watching the entire time, eagerly waiting for this moment.

“Yay! Mommy and Daddy are getting married!” Taylor exclaimed, bouncing up and down with glee. Her innocent excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.

My parents stepped forward, their eyes shining with pride and happiness.

“Congratulations, you two,” Dad said, his gruff voice softening with genuine affection. “We couldn’t be happier for you both.”

Mom enveloped Nora in a warm hug, whispering words of welcome and love. My heart swelled with gratitude for my family, for their unwavering support and acceptance of the woman I loved and her daughter.

As we all gathered around the Christmas tree, basking in the joy of the moment, I knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful future together. With Nora by my side and Taylor as our shining light, I was ready to face whatever challenges life might bring, knowing that our love would see us through.

Taylor, unable to contain her excitement, broke away from her mother’s side and ran straight toward my dad. Her little arms outstretched, she launched herself at him, squealing with delight.

“Grandpa!” she exclaimed, her innocent voice filled with love and trust.

My dad, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection, bent down to scoop Taylor up into his arms. His tough exterior melted away as he held her close, a smile spreading across his weathered face.

“Hey there, little darlin’,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “Looks like you’re stuck with me as your grandpa now.”

Taylor giggled, her blue eyes sparkling with joy. “I love you, Grandpa,” she declared, planting a sweet kiss on his bearded cheek.

I watched as Mom’s eyes welled up with tears, her hand pressed against her heart. She stepped closer to Taylor and Dad, reaching out to stroke the little girl’s curly hair.

“And I’m officially your grandma, sweetheart,” she said, her voice wavering with barely contained happiness. “We’re so lucky to have you and your mommy in our family now.”

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