Page 126 of Canyon of Deceit

We drove into the park with memories flowing through me, and from Blane’s silence, he experienced the same. He drove along a familiar path and parked where we’d parked months ago. We gathered our things, including my guitar, and hiked the path that held beginnings and endings, a bittersweet trail.

Blane snapped pics and adjusted his camera lenses to take near and far shots. One hour into the hike, he stopped and studied the magnificent high desert scenery surrounding us. Turning to me, he grinned. “Stunning, right?”

“Perfect,” I said.

He took my guitar case and set it beside me. “Do me a favor and close your eyes.”

I shut them tight. “What’s next?”

“Give me a moment.” A little later, he said, “You can open your eyes now.”

Blane knelt on one knee in front of me.

I gasped. Was this the real thing? Was I ready? Was I prepared to make a commitment? Did Blane love me enough for a lifetime? Thrilling excitement left me hot and cold.

“Therese Olivia Palmer, I’ve loved you since I first saw you. Youshowed me the real meaning of love. You helped me find Jesus. You risked your life for others and demonstrated courage all the way. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He held out a small silver box with a ring designed for a queen.

I touched my mouth and stared into his warm eyes. “Oh, Blane, I love you so much.” I bent on one knee and faced him. “Yes, a million times yes.”

He kissed me like he’d never done before, a dizzyingly delicious kiss. When his lips left mine, he pointed to my guitar. “Are you ready to play for me?”

Shaking, I nodded. We eased onto the ground. “It’s a simple song. Nothing fancy.”

He kissed my cheek. “I’m waiting.”

I studied the ring on my left hand. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I tuned my guitar and strummed the strings. Blane gave me a kiss—for courage.

“I call this ‘Blane’s Song.’”

If you are a dream, keep me dreaming,

If you are a breath, keep me breathing,

If you are a gift, keep me giving,

If you are life, keep me living,

If you are love, keep me loving,

If you are a song, keep me singing,

If you are my heart’s journey, keep me walking.

How do I write the words rich and true?

How do I write a timeless melody?

Of how you mended my pain-filled life

And sealed my love for you.

If you are a dream, keep me dreaming,

If you are love, keep me loving,

If you are my heart’s journey, keep me walking.

Blane leaned over and kissed me. “I think it isoursong and not just mine. I can’t wait to begin walking our life’s journey together. Dreaming dreams and growing our love.”

“I’m ready forustogether, a lifetime of incredible love, purpose, and building a home together that honors God.”