Page 108 of Loving Violet
I step back just enough to place my hand on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm.
“After my divorce, I thought I was broken,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “I thought I wasn’t enough—ugly, fat, unlovable. But you... You’ve shown me what true love is. You’ve helped me see that I am worthy, that I am beautiful, and that even my flaws are part of what makes me whole. I love you, Austin. I love you, and I can’t wait to grow old with you by my side.”
His hand covers mine, pressing it firmly against his heart. “You don’t have to thank me for loving you, Violet. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was done for. And I promise, I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me.”
I let out a soft sob as he slips the ring onto my finger, the cool metal grounding me in the reality of this perfect moment. He cups my face, and our lips meet, a kiss full of promises and love, the sound of the waterfall blending with the rush of my heartbeat.
After what feels like an eternity yet no time at all, Austin pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. “We should get dressed,” he says with a small smile. “I’m taking you to dinner to celebrate.”
I laugh softly, brushing away the tears still clinging to my cheeks. “I’d go anywhere with you.”
He grins, his fingers lacing through mine. “Good, because this is just the beginning, Violet. Our beginning.”
We swim back to our spot, the cool water invigorating yet calming. After drying off, we change into our clothes, and as we leave the waterfall, I can’t help but steal glances at the ring sparkling on my finger. Excitement bubbles inside me like a secret that I can’t wait to share with the world. The sun is setting and we need to hurry up before night falls. It would be very hard to walk on this trail without light. When we are finally near the end of the trail Austin takes my hand and guides me along the path toward the park’s pavilion. There’s a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, and I know he’s up to something.
“What’s going on?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully.
“You’ll see,” he says with a soft chuckle.
As we approach the pavilion, I notice fairy lights strung across the beams, their glow turning the space into something magical. The sound of voices reaches me, and I spot a gathering of familiar faces. My breath catches when I realize what’s happening—a surprise engagement party.
When we step into the pavilion, cheers erupt, filling the air with joy and excitement. “Congratulations!” everyone calls out, their smiles lighting up the night.
Josy is the first to rush over, her arms flung wide as she embraces me tightly. “Oh my God, Violet! I’m so happy for you both!” she exclaims, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
Before I can respond, Adrian bolts toward me, his face glowing with delight. “Mom! Look at all the decorations! Isn’t this awesome?”
I hug him, brushing a hand over his hair. “It’s perfect, sweetheart. Just like today.”
Austin’s family gathers around next. Elena, one of his younger sisters, steps forward, balancing her toddler on her hip. Her warmth radiates as she pulls me into a hug. “Welcome to the family, Violet. We’re thrilled for you and Austin!”
Hailey, his other sister, grins as she approaches with her little one toddling beside her. “Congratulations! I can’t wait for more family get-togethers and to see what a beautiful bride you’ll be.”
Beckett, Austin’s youngest brother, stands nearby, his resemblance to Austin uncanny. He steps up with an easy smile, shaking my hand firmly. “Welcome, Violet. I’ve never seen my brother this happy. You’re clearly his better half.”
I laugh, my heart brimming with gratitude, and glance at Austin, who watches me with a love so evident that it’s almost overwhelming.
My parents and brother are here too, their smiles reflecting pride and happiness. Everywhere I look, I see faces that have shaped our lives in so many ways.
Noah and Esteban stroll up to Austin, pulling him into a series of dramatic bro hugs.
“You’re so lucky that Vi said yes,” Esteban says with a sly grin. “Imagine if she said no. Talk about awkward.”
“Dude, don’t be a jerk,” Noah says, rolling his eyes.
“What? It’s true!” Esteban shrugs. “He was so confident, strutting around likeof courseshe’ll say yes. I’m just saying, backup plans are important.”
Austin smirks. “Backup plans? Like your Saturday nights, Esteban?”
Noah doubles over laughing, and I shake my head, grinning at their internal joke. Esteban pretends to be offended, clutching his chest as if he’s been stabbed. “Wow. So this is how it’s gonna be, huh? Betrayed at an engagement party. Congratulations, Vi. You’re marrying a comedian.”
I lean into Austin, flashing a grin at the group. “I’m marrying the love of my life,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows. “And I love his confidence. Besides, didn’t you know that Austin is thehottestman on this planet?”
Esteban gasps dramatically. “What? Are you kidding me? I amwaysexier than this guy!” He strikes a pose, pointing at his own chest like he’s about to audition for a modeling gig. “You’re just lucky Austin saw you first. There’s no way you’d be able to resistallof this,” he says, flexing his muscles like he’s about to break the space-time continuum.
I burst out laughing, glancing at Austin, who’s trying to hide his grin. “I’m pretty sure I’d resist the temptation, Esteban,” I tease, “but thanks for the offer.”
“No, seriously,” Esteban says, still posing. “You’d be on your knees begging for a date with me.”
