Page 40 of When Forever Comes

The moment my toes hit the sand, several violins begin playing a beautiful melody that harmonizes with the crashing waves.

“What’s going on?” My heart goes wild in my rib cage. West has been dropping hints left and right about proposing.

We’ve taken our relationship slowly. West didn’t want to rush me into anything so soon after Brad’s betrayal. But he made sure I knew he was courting me and not casually dating me. He wants to make me his wife. That’s something he’s made crystal clear from the very beginning of our new relationship.

Every night, we sit out on his balcony as the sun sets and talk about our past and our future. On several special occasions, he’s read the prayers he prayed for me, which made me cry every single time. West’s heart is the most beautiful thing in this world.

His beautiful heart and his selfless actions have given me an endless amount of happily forever afters for my characters. I could never complete a manuscript before now because I didn’t know how to portray true love. The only love I experienced broke me. God used that brokenness to heal me, too, in the only way He can — unexpectedly and thoroughly.

Who knew my meddling sister would be a key component to bringing my love life full circle?

As my sister removes my blindfold, it pulls me back into this confusing and exciting moment.

My hands fly to my mouth when I see West kneeling at the center of a heart of candles and rose petals holding a small jewelry box.

There are five men in tuxedos playing the violin behind West. The song changes from something upbeat and catchy to low and moody.

He smiles at me and it takes me back to our days and nights together as two bright-eyed teenagers.

West doesn’t give me a moment to speak — not that I even have words — before he begins his heartfelt speech.

“Olivia Robin Swann. You are the love of my life, the light in my eyes, and the steady beat of my heart. God gave me you when I was in my darkest place. You were the light that brought me through. Even before I understood the meaning of prayers, I thanked God for you. So today, I am asking you, Livvy, will you be mine forever?”

I glance around, taking in the effort and detail he put into this moment. Everything from the songs the violinists play, to the rose petals’ shade of red, down to the gorgeous emerald-cut diamond ring in the jewelry box. But all of that pales in comparison to the man kneeling before me. West Lockwood, the boy I secretly crushed on years ago, is now the man I will spend my forever with.

“Yes!”

He carefully removes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. It’s the perfect fit.

After West stands, I expect a kiss, but instead he leans forward and whispers, “Welcome to forever, my love.”

Several flashes distract me as a photographer captures this moment in time. The violinists continue their song as West pulls me into his arms and we dance slowly in the candlelit heart on the beach.

* * *

WEST

As much as I hoped for it, my dreams could never compare to my reality. Olivia Swann, now Lockwood, is fast asleep on my chest. Her hair fans out behind her on the sheets and her pillow soft lips puff out with each exhale.

I stroke a finger down her cheek and stare at her in wonder. A year and a half ago, my prayers had turned desperate. When I saw her pictures with Brad, I thought she had forgotten about me. That somehow my memories were dreams and not reminders of times past.

She stirs and her eyes open slowly. The sun peeks through the curtains of our honeymoon suite and its rays dance across her face as she sits up.

“Good morning,” she says, her voice coming out husky.

I trace my finger down her arm. “Good morning.”

After placing an achingly slow kiss to my lips, she gets out of bed, wraps her robe around her shoulders, and finds the breakfast cart ready and waiting.

“I’m starving,” she announces.

“Me too,” I say, allowing my eyes to roam over my gorgeous wife.

She bites her lip, shakes her head, and pours us each a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

The kitchen loaded the cart with eggs, bacon, waffles, and a variety of fruits, including a strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla yogurt parfait, which she grabs. I follow her over and fill my plate with eggs, bacon, and a waffle, covering it with a healthy dose of syrup.

“Can we eat outside?” she asks.

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