Nila's Hope (29 page)
Now they were alone at last.
While she checked out her bedroom and bathroom again, Will sank onto the couch. He exhaled forcefully. He hadn't been sure how she'd react, but her look of wonderment and joy was more than he could have asked. He had one more thing to give her, and this risk was the greatest he'd ever taken. He jammed his hand between the cushions and found the velvet box he'd hidden there.
From his father to his mother, and nowâhopefullyâfrom him to Nila, he could picture the ring on her finger. His heart raced, and he closed his eyes. “Lord, help me out here.”
It was as though his quiet prayer had drawn her to him. He felt her presence even before he opened his eyes. He patted the cushion.
She remained standing. She seemed to embrace him without a touch.
He couldn't look away even if he'd wanted. He'd never seen her eyes glow with such incandescence. He felt his heart rate double as he lost himself in her gaze.
“Thank you, Will.” Her mellow voice caressed him. “You know how much this means to me. I still can't believe you accomplished so much in such a short time.”
He blinked. He had to focus. He had to ask before he lost his nerve. He took her hand. “Come sit down, please. I need to ask you something.”
She shook her head, and it rattled him. But before he could clear his head, she sank to her knees. She kissed the palm of his hand, and then clasped it between hers. She bowed her head for a moment, and when she looked up, her entire face flushed pink.
He watched, fascinated, as her throat convulsed.
She took a deep breath, and tears brightened her eyes even more.
He felt a responding dampness on his cheeks and brushed it away with his free hand.
“You are the best friend I've ever known,” Nila said. “You're amazing. I trusted you with my past, and you helped me find freedom. I trusted you with my life, and you taught me what true love is.” She took another deep breath.
His heart swelled almost to the bursting point. He loved her so much. Why wouldn't she give him a chance to tell her?
She kissed his palm once more and released it.
Will leaned forward and opened his mouth.
She stopped him with a finger against his lips. “I asked for time so I could experience independence, but you've shown me that independence doesn't have to mean solitude. So now I want to trust you with my future.”
He barely dared to breathe as her eyes held his.
“William Thomas Jamison, will you marry me?”
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Epilogue
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Ten months later, Nila tried in vain to keep her bouquet still. No matter how hard she concentrated, it shook. She hadn't expected nervousness. She'd been anxious for this day to arrive, and now she was just anxious. She peeked through the crack between the sanctuary doors.
The place was packed. So many people.
Her flowers shook so violently she was afraid they'd fall apart. She heard a faint rustle and louder whispers. She looked through the crack again.
Pastor Dave, Jason, and Will walked to their places at the front of the church. Her groom stood tall and incredibly handsome.
She sighed. Her heart fluttered.
“It's time, sweetie.” Melody fussed with Nila's headpiece of autumn flowers. “You look absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to see my son's face when you walk down the aisle.”
After one more hug, Melody offered her arm to the waiting usher. As the double doors opened, she looked back at Nila and mouthed, “I love you.”
Nila blinked rapidly. No tears. Not today. She leaned down and kissed the top of little Jessica's head as Faith took her daughter's hand.
Her almost-sister-in-law in the role of Nila's bridesmaid grinned. “This is it. Let's do it.”
Nila knew she should watch Faith and Jessica, her flower girl, so she'd be ready when it was time to start down the aisle. But as soon as Will's gaze connected with hers, everything else faded.
His look held her. His love filled her. This was their day.
The music swelled into “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.”
The congregation stood.
That was her cue.
She took a deep, calming breath. And walked down the aisle to her man, her love, and her future.
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