Page 111 of The Edge Of Us

He smiled, a little too tightly, and kissed my forehead. "Just enjoy the night."

Dinner was perfect. He'd cooked, because of course he had. Candlelight flickered, soft jazz hummed through the speakers, and it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

"Dance with me," he said as we finished our drinks.

I laughed. "There's no music."

"There's always music."

He pulled me into the living room, arms wrapping around me as we swayed. My head rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"I love you," I whispered.

He pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. "I know. And I've been waiting every day for the right moment to do this."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. My breath caught in my throat.

"I never planned this," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Not like this. Not with someone like you. But then you came into my life, and you saved me without even trying. You saved me, Corinne. And your kids-they're my kids now too. They're my heart. You're my heart."

Tears blurred my vision as he dropped to one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

Before I could even say a word, Astrid's voice rang out from the hallway.

"Wait!" she cried, running in. "I want a ring too!"

I gasped. "Astrid? What-how are you here?"

Kyle ran in behind her, grinning. Brit stood in the doorway, smiling like she knew every secret in the world.

"We lied," Jasper said, laughing. "They weren't at Allen's. Brit helped me."

"Do I get a ring or not?" Astrid demanded, hands on her hips.

Jasper chuckled, pulling a plastic ring out of his pocket. "Of course you do. My second favorite girl."

He slipped it on her finger, and she beamed.

"Now Mommy's turn," Kyle said, bouncing.

I turned back to Jasper, heart thudding in my chest. "Yes," I whispered. "Yes, I'll marry you."

He slid the ring onto my finger and stood, wrapping me in his arms as the kids clapped.

And for the first time in a very long time, I felt whole.

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Later that night, when the kids were asleep and the house was quiet again, I curled into Jasper's side, staring at the ring on my finger.

"You sure you want all this chaos?" I teased.

He kissed my forehead. "I want every second of it. Every second with you."

I smiled. And for once, I believed him.

Even broken hearts can find their way back to love.

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