Page 70 of Love Under Siege

“Anya!” I called out, my voice cracking with emotion.

She turned to me, her eyes shining with tears of joy. Without a word, she rushed into my arms, and I pulled her close, burying my face in her shoulder. The world around us faded away as I held her, the warmth of her embrace washing over me. Then without thought, I kissed her, as our lips met, I felt an overwhelming sense of rightness. This was where I belonged, in her arms. She kissed me back with the same intensity, and I knew that she felt it too.

We broke away, both breathless and grinning like fools. The crowd around us erupted into applause and cheers, but I barely registered it. My attention was solely focused on Anya, my heart overflowing with love for her.

“I missed you so much,” I whispered, pressing my forehead against hers.

“I missed you too,” she replied, tears still streaming down her face.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here,” I murmured, my voice filled with awe and relief.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she whispered back, her voice trembling with emotion. “I wanted to be here for you, Jacob.”

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re here. It means everything to me.”

She smiled through her tears, her hand gently cupping my face. “I’m so proud of you. You did it.”

I pulled her in for another kiss before pulling back to look at her. She looked radiant, despite the tears and the fact that she was still healing from her injuries. She had always been strong-willed and determined and seeing her standing here before me only confirmed that.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I’m getting there,” she said with a small smile. “Just taking it one day at a time.”

I nodded in understanding. Our time apart had been difficult for both of us, constantly worrying about each other’s safety and well-being. But now we were finally together again.

The noise of the ceremony and the crowd seemed to fade into the background as we shared this moment, the culmination of months of separation and hardship. For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt right.

As we stood there, holding each other, I knew that no matter what came next, we would face it together.

So, I did what I’ve been wanting to do since I met her and I got down on one knee.

She turned around when the crowd around us started to gasp and she brought her hand to her mouth.

“Anya Parker, I don’t have a real ring for you yet and I promise that as soon as we get back I will get you one that matches your beauty, that is if it exists”. She laughs and I can see tears streaming down her face.

“We faced some real shitty things and we both came out stronger. But there isn’t a day where I don’t think about you. When I met you on that blessed ship, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. You have become the best and most important person in my life. And I don’t want to spend a single moment more without you in my life. So, Anya Marie Parker, will do me the pleasure of becoming my wife?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Anya

Tears streamed down my face as Jacob knelt in front of me, his gaze intense and unwavering. I always knew we would spend the rest of our lives together, but I never expected him to ask me so soon. Time seemed to stand still as we both soaked in the gravity of the moment. The air was filled with palpable tension, equal parts nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

“Hey, babe,” he said, breaking the silence and bringing me back to reality. “I kind of need an answer.” He playfully teased, a smile creeping across his face.

“Oh, right!” I exclaimed, snapping out of my daze. “Yes, Jacob! I will marry you!” I wrapped my arms tightly around him, feeling overwhelmed with joy. Jacob's face lit up with a mix of relief and elation as he slid the makeshift engagement ring onto my finger. It was a ring pop he got from one of his buddies, and I was perfectly content with it. My heart felt as if it was soaring, and I could barely contain the happiness bubbling inside me.

Just then, Jacob’s Army buddies, who had been waiting a short distance away, erupted into cheers. “Yes! Finally!” one of them shouted, racing toward us.

Without warning, they leaped into the air, jumping over Jacob in a frenzy of celebration. They tackled him to the ground, a chaotic blend of laughter and shouts filling the air. “You did it, man! You’re engaged!” one of them exclaimed as they piled on top of him.

Jacob’s laughter mingled with their shouts of excitement. “Get off me, you idiots!” he chuckled, trying to wiggle free while still holding onto me.

I couldn’t help but laugh, overwhelmed by the joy of the moment. “This is insane!” I said, wiping away tears of happiness as I watched my fiancé being swarmed by his friends.

“You’re one of us now!” another buddy chimed in, giving Jacob a playful shove. “Welcome to the club!”

“Yeah, it’s too late to back out now!” Jaxson teased, grinning widely.

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