Chapter 14 - The Ring in the Safe and the Confession in the Rain
Six weeks later, a gentle summer rain fell over the harbor, washing the city clean.
Toby was running across the lush green lawn of Dominic’s private seaside estate, his laughter echoing across the cliffs. His cheeks were rosy, his breathing was completely clear, and he was energetically chasing Dominic’s golden retriever with a plastic dinosaur in his hand.
Mrs. Hattie sat on the covered stone patio, happily knitting a bright blue sweater while sipping fresh lemonade.
Josie stood at the edge of the terrace overlooking the sparkling Atlantic ocean, dressed in a soft white sundress, a peaceful smile resting on her lips. She had officially assumed her full duties as Executive Vice President of Relli Global, transforming the company’s labor practices, establishing comprehensive healthcare funds for all dockworkers, and running the logistics empire with unmatched brilliance.
Footsteps echoed softly on the stone patio.
Dominic walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her back against his chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.
"What are you thinking about?" Dominic asked softly.
"I was thinking about that cheap navy dress," Josie replied with a soft laugh. "And how I ironed it with a boiling pot of water seven weeks ago, terrified that Toby and I would be sleeping on the street."
Dominic turned her around in his arms so she was facing him. His gray eyes were filled with an overwhelming, tender devotion that made her heart sing.
"You will never have to be terrified of anything ever again, Josephine," Dominic said.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. He knelt down on one knee upon the stone terrace, holding the box open.
Inside rested a magnificent, flawless five-carat oval diamond ring, flanked by two sapphire stones that matched the color of her eyes.
Josie gasped, pressing both hands over her mouth, tears of joy welling in her eyes.
"Josephine Whitaker," Dominic spoke, his deep voice trembling with raw, honest emotion. "Seven months ago, you saved my life in the dark. But over these past seven weeks, you have saved my soul. You brought light, love, and humanity into an empire of cold stone. I don't just want you as my partner in business—I want you as my wife, my equal, my queen, and the mother of my future children."
He looked up at her with his entire heart laid bare. "Will you marry me, Josephine?"
Josie knelt down onto the terrace in front of him, throwing her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest.
"Yes! A thousand times yes, Dominic!"
Dominic let out a triumphant breath, sliding the diamond ring onto her finger, and pulled her into a passionate, breathtaking kiss as the summer rain gave way to brilliant, golden sunlight.
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From across the lawn, Toby came running up the patio steps, jumping right between them and wrapping his arms around both their necks. "Does this mean Mr. Dominic is my official dad now?!"
Dominic scooped Toby up with one arm and held Josie with the other, his smile brighter than the sun. "It means I am your dad forever, Toby."
