Page 67 of Island Rescuer

“Was that the proposal? It sounded too hypothetical to be real.”

He lowered her to her feet but kept his hands at her waist. His strong touch was the only thing keeping her steady.

“Harper Ellington, will you make me the happiest man in the world and let me love you for the rest of our days? Will you be my wife?”

He dropped to one knee and lifted a gleaming diamond ring up to her. Thanks to her mother and her aunts, she knew her jewelry and could guess the value.

“You had that in your pocket?” Of all the reckless things he had done, this might be the worst.

“What? Suddenly you’re a princess who won’t take the ring if it doesn’t come in a Tiffany’s box?”

“I am not spoiled.” She shoved his shoulders, and they both laughed, giving in to the absurdity of it all. Of each other. Of being overwhelmed by a love that had been brewing for years.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re not spoiled. I’ve seen you in action. Giving at every opportunity, standing up when people need your help. I’ve seen you and your amazing courage long before this crisis. You’re one of the strongest women I know.

“That’s why I took the time to get this ring. And I had to call in a favor to get it shined up for you. This ring belonged to my grandmother. As screwed up as my parents are, my grandparents were solid. She gave this to me ages ago when I was too young to really appreciate what it meant. Then I met you, fell in love with you, and realized exactly how lucky my grandparents were. They were a team and they built things for their family, for their communities. Just like you do. I will forever be grateful that they didn’t live to see my dad take such a wrong turn in business.” He shook his head. “My point, Harper, is this ring represents what I want for the future. With you. I want to spend my life on your team.”

“Together?”

“Damn straight. And stronger for it.”

She couldn’t label this the most classically romantic proposal of all time. But it was absolutely the most perfect proposal from the man she loved with all her heart.

She let him slide the ring onto her finger. The gorgeous diamond was polished to a blinding glow and set in lustrous platinum. A setting that would hold up to a lifetime of love and work and play. She didn’t even bother asking how he knew her size. The man was allowed to have a few secrets.

Butonlya few from this point on.

She jumped up into his arms, knowing he’d catch her. “I love you, Knox Moore. For today and always.”

She had no idea how long they kissed, standing there in the sand with the ocean rolling persistently behind them. She felt it was the perfect music to go with this moment. The everlasting drumming of the water echoing the forever feelings beating in her heart.

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Thanks for reading Harper and Knox’s story!

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Turn the page for a specialbonus epiloguefrom Brookwell!

Epilogue

One year later…

On the day of her wedding, Harper woke up early, restless and impatient to get on with it. The ceremony, the reception, and the future she and Knox were eager to start. In her mind, the countdown clock was ticking. Loudly.

Today was the day. Finally.

And now that it was close it seemed like time was moving even slower.

She bounced out of bed and freshened up. Too excited for coffee, she pulled on shorts, an oversized tee, and her flip flops. She slipped out of her room and headed downstairs.

It had been a long year of waiting, planning, juggling, and more waiting. But today—in just a few more hours—she’d exchange vows with the man she loved with all her heart, the man who was her ideal partner. Not perfect, just perfect together.

When it was clear her family wouldn’t let them get away with a small wedding, she and Knox had conceded to having the wedding and reception at the resort. An entire wing had been blocked for the three-day weekend of rehearsal and welcome party, the wedding and reception, and a farewell brunch hosted by their parents.

Missing that occasion was one of the biggest perks of being newlyweds, in her opinion. After a long discussion with her mom and dad, Knox had invited his parents. He’d warned them that he’d kick them out if they pulled any of their normal stunts.

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