Total pages in book: 15
Estimated words: 13377 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 67(@200wpm)___ 54(@250wpm)___ 45(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13377 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 67(@200wpm)___ 54(@250wpm)___ 45(@300wpm)
"This isn't how I planned for my life to go. Meeting all of you and seeing how welcoming you are to Frankie and me is the best thing to come out of that stormy season. Thank you so, so much," I begin before turning to Rye and taking her hands into mine. "But, I never thought I'd fall head over heels for someone this beautiful so fast. I never thought I'd find someone who'd love me and Frankie the way you do, and there's nothing I want more than to spend the rest of our lives as a family."
They all murmur and whisper among themselves as I drop to one knee and pull out the leather ring box that opens from the middle. Inside is an engagement ring in rose gold, with a center pearl surrounded by small-cut diamonds. Under the lights, her favorite stone gleams in hues of lavender and pink as I slip it onto Rye's finger.
"Mariah, the love of our lives, will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife?"
Tears well in her eyes as she moves her head up and down. "Yes, of course I will."
I rise to my feet, taking her into my arms and planting a soft kiss on her lips, resisting the urge to claim her mouth in full view of our family.
"I love you both so much," Rye exclaims.
Not to be left out, Frankie jumps out of her seat to join us, and we three hug in the middle of an ice cream parlor. Family and friends around us make this the perfect moment.
Frankie beams as she shouts above the erupting applause and cheers. "Since you said yes, does that mean I get to call you Mom?"
Rye runs her hand over Frankie's hair, bending slightly to kiss the top of her head. "I'd love nothing more. Thank you for letting me hold that spot for you, Francesca. This is the cherry on top of a perfect day."
"You mean a sundae, right?" Frankie wriggles her brows, making everyone laugh.
Rye turns to face me. I can't stop a single tear from falling down my face, and she reaches to wipe it with her thumb. I can't believe this is our family now and forever. Love is the perfect topping to this perfect day.
The End