Page 76 of Finally Found You

Her response puzzles me, but one thing is certain: I’m more than serious. I’m committed and ready for the next step. I just have to show her how ready I am for us.

* * *

The night air is cool, an almost tangible contrast to the warmth that pulses between Camilla and me. We’re standing in the vineyard, the moon casting long, ethereal shadows around us, the silhouettes of the grapevines stretching out like skeletal fingers. The scent of the earth, rich and fertile, fills my nostrils as I reach for her hand, her fingers weaving seamlessly with mine.

“Cami,” I begin, my voice a whisper carried away by the soft rustle of the leaves around us. Her eyes, wide and luminous, meet mine—my heart pounds in my chest.

“Ly,” she breathes, with a soft lilt of curiosity and anticipation. The corners of her mouth twitch into the beginnings of a smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. There’s a certain wariness there that tugs at my heartstrings.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you,” I say, my thumb rubbing gentle circles on the back of her hand. She watches me, her breath hitching slightly, and I can see the questions swirling in her gaze.

“Camilla,” I murmur, nervous from the weight of the words I’m about to speak. The soft caress of her name against my lips feels like a sacred prayer. “I love you. More than words can express.”

Her eyes remain locked on to mine, her expression rapt, encouraging. I feel a surge of boldness, a rising tide of emotion that propels me forward. I take a deep breath, allowing the cool, crisp air to fill my lungs and calm my racing heart.

“I love you,” I say again, but this time the words are more than just an admission. They’re a proclamation, a pledge. “I love how your eyes light up when you talk about something you’re passionate about. The way your laughter fills a room and makes my heart soar. I love how you challenge, push, and make me want to be a better man.”

I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I love you for your strength, for your compassion, for the way you fiercely protect those you care about. You’re not just a part of my life, Camilla. You are my life.”

Her eyes glisten, the moonlight catching on the unshed tears, making them shine like precious diamonds. I press on, “I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I want to spend every day waking up next to you and every night holding you close. I want to share your joys, comfort you in your sorrows, and stand by your side through whatever life throws our way.”

I drop to one knee, the gravelly earth cool beneath me. I retrieve a small box from my pocket and flip it open to reveal a ring. The diamond glimmers in the moonlight, but it pales compared to the woman standing before me.

“Camilla,” I ask, thick with emotion, “will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

The silence stretches on, a chasm threatening to swallow me whole, but then her lips curve into a radiant, incandescent smile that sets my world back in balance. “Yes,” she breathes. “Of course, yes. I’ll marry you.”

I slide the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit as if it was always meant to be there. Standing, I gather her into my arms, her body melting against mine in a way that feels as natural as breathing.

I capture her lips with mine, pouring all my unspoken promises into the kiss. I promise her endless love, a partnership that values her dreams as much as mine, and a haven in each other’s arms from the world’s harsh realities.

As I deepen the kiss, our shared breaths mingling in the cool night air, I seal my vows with the taste of our shared future on my lips.

Epilogue

Camilla

The vineyard is bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, the verdant rows of vines standing sentinel as guests begin to gather. A gentle breeze ruffles the petals of the flowers adorning the wooden arch at the end of the aisle. The scent of blooming jasmine, mixed with the earthy notes of the vineyard, wafts through the air, creating a tapestry of scents that will forever remind me of this moment.

I stand at the edge of the vineyard, peeking through the lace veil that cascades down from my loosely pinned hair. My heart is a wild drum in my chest, a flurry of anticipation, love, and a dash of nervousness. I clutch my bouquet of wildflowers tighter, grounding myself in the moment.

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Hudson Drago links my arm with his.

“Ready,” I mumble before we begin to walk.

The soft notes of the violin begin to play, the signal for my entrance. As I take the first step on the petal-strewn path, the world seems to hold its breath. A sea of familiar faces turns toward me, their smiles bright and welcoming, but all I see is him—Lysander.

He stands at the end of the aisle, his handsome features softened by the tender look in his eyes. His gaze meets mine, and suddenly it’s just him and me.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I make my way to him, my heart swelling with so much love I fear it might burst.

When I reach him, he takes my hands in his, his touch soothing and familiar. “You look stunning, Camilla.” His whisper carries the weight of his emotions.

“Take care of each other,” Hudson says as he kisses my cheek.

I smile at him, my heart echoing his sentiment. “Thank you, Hud.”

The ceremony starts as usual. I don’t shed a tear until Lysander steps forward, clearing his throat. He holds my eyes, his eyes never leaving mine. The world falls away. It’s just us, our hearts beating in sync.

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