Chapter 1229:
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “I don’t know what the future will bring, and I can’t promise that our identities and responsibilities won’t create obstacles. But I am certain of one thing — will you allow me to give you my loyalty, my protection, and my love, and grant me the privilege of walking beside you for the rest of our lives?”
The winter wind moved through his hair, and his knee against the ice must have been numbed by both cold and pain — yet he remained perfectly still, holding the ring steady, his eyes carrying an unmistakable and sincere plea.
Rylie lowered her gaze slightly and asked softly, “Will you stay by my side… no matter what?”
Brad’s lips curved into a gentle, confident smile. “Always. That is my promise to you.”
Rylie slowly extended her hand, her eyes glowing with both pride and tenderness while faint tears shimmered at their edges. “Then… yes.”
Brad carefully slid the ring onto her finger. As she helped him to his feet, she scolded him gently, “Why didn’t you use your cane? Is your leg alright?”
Thе 𝗯e𝘴𝘵 𝘳е𝗮𝖽𝘪𝗇𝘨 𝗲𝘹𝘱𝖾rieո𝖼e 𝘰𝘯 g𝖺𝘭𝘯𝘰𝘃𝘦𝘭𝗌.𝘤𝗈𝗺
“At a moment like this?” he replied lightly. “I wanted to propose as a man standing strong before you — not someone leaning on support.”
He lifted his hand and softly caressed her cheek. “This marriage happens only once in a lifetime. I don’t want anything to feel incomplete or touched by regret. I want to give you nothing less than the best version of myself.”
Rylie felt the rough texture of the scars across his hand and looked up curiously. “What have you been doing lately? You’ve been disappearing for hours every day. What were you working on?”
“Crafting the rings,” he answered. He held her hand gently so their rings rested side by side and added with quiet satisfaction, “I designed and made them myself. They’re one of a kind — created only for the two of us.”
Rylie’s eyes grew moist. She had never expected someone as straightforward and emotionally reserved as him to do something so deeply thoughtful and romantic. She slipped her arms around his neck and whispered, “You have excellent taste. I love the rings. And I love this proposal even more.”
Brad drew her closer by the waist and rested his forehead against hers, his eyes overflowing with warmth. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
From their hiding place behind the pine trees, members of the Owen family — Deandre among them — could no longer contain themselves and stepped forward to congratulate the couple.
Selah rubbed her arms and laughed. “I thought I was going to freeze solid waiting out there.”
Brad had reserved an exclusive mountain resort perched at the summit of the snow-covered peak. After celebrating for a while, everyone made their way to the hotel to warm up and rest.
Outside, snowflakes drifted silently against the large glass windows. Inside, the comforting heat of the room and the soft crackle of the fireplace created a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.
Kendrick sat in the resort’s private chess lounge, positioned across the board from Brad. Their match was filled with careful calculation and quiet strategy, yet both men appeared calm and at ease.
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