Page 86 of Stronghold

Miles has volunteered to help because he's interested in the process, and I can now afford to hire someone to help.

When Miles came back, he didn't come alone. It seems that, along the way, my little brother fell in love with the daughter of the owner of the farm he was working at.

Steph is a great girl and hit it off with my mom straight away. Together they're increasing the production of their chutneys and jams and have taken over my spot at the farmer's market.

I'm a little sad that I no longer have time to do it regularly, but as long as Maple Sky is available for their customers, everyone's happy.

"Wait, is this…" Jud starts.

"It is."

"Why are you bringing us here?" I look at him after parking the car. He's frowning. I get it because, after all, McKenzie Park doesn't hold the best memories for either of us.

"We're replacing a bad memory with a good one." I step out of the car and go around to meet him.

We walk hand-in-hand to the exact spot that has the rock we sat on that night.

I guide Jud to the rock. He sits on it, and I kneel between his legs, taking both his hands in mine.

"Jud, I once thought that my land and my house were the only things that were truly mine. They were the place I set my roots, and they would help me grow and make me solid. I was wrong. You, Judson Hale. You are all that and more. You are my stronghold, and I will defend us for as long as I live. One day I'm going to ask you to marry me. And I hope that on that day, you will know that I love you then more than I love you now and that I’ve loved you since I was old enough for my heart to beat for another person."

"Why don't you ask me now?" he asks, and I can see his eyes shiny with unshed tears.

"Because I'm an airhead who forgot the rings."

"So when you say you'll ask me one day…"

"I mean later, baby. I'll definitely ask you later."

"Can I tell you yes right now? Because it'll still be a yes later, tomorrow, next month, next year, until forever."

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