Page 102 of Romeo

Faith.

I haven’t missed a single Sunday since we’ve been back in Pine Creek, and every morning, Riley comes to the cabin for coffee, and we read our Bibles together.

Every morning, I find myself closer and closer to the Savior I spent years running from because I was too ashamed to face what knowing Him would mean.I know that the pain will resurface from time to time.I feel it every now and then—the ache from all that was stolen from me, but instead of letting those moments own me, I pray.

I turn to God and ask Him for help.For understanding.For peace.

And with Riley’s arm around me, I finally feelhome.

The Ferris wheel goes around again, climbing as I study the beauty from above, but this time it halts at the very top.I look down, my heart leaping as a bite of fear sinks in.“Why are we—” I turn to Riley, but the words die in my throat.

He’s holding a small velvet box and staring at me with all the love I never thought I’d find.“I decided a long time ago that I didn’t want to take the risk of falling in love, but then I met you, and you challenged me in every single way.”There are tears in his eyes.“You are smart, strong, beautiful, kind—I could sit here for hours telling you all the ways I love you.And I know it’s only been a year, but I can’t imagine going a day without you.So, Jules Landers, if you’ll have me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Riley.”I cover my mouth with both hands, trying to understand how I went from the most miserable chapters in my life to my own happily ever after.I thought moments like this only happened in books.Yet, here he is, my hero.

“Will you marry me?Be the Jules to my Romeo?”He grins.“This time with a happy ending.”

I laugh and throw my arms around him, pressing my lips to his.“Yes.Absolutely.”

He pulls away, and I hold my hand out so he can slip the ring on my finger.“I love you, Jules Landers.”

“I love you too, Riley Hunt.”

He kisses me again, and as the Ferris wheel starts up again, I lean my head against his shoulder and stare down at the princess-cut diamond ring on my finger.

“Thank you, Lord,” I whisper.

“Amen,” Riley replies.