When she was back in her room, she threw herself onto the bed, her mind unable to escape the image of the small box’s contents. She was certain those were the trinkets she had given him over the years.
Then why were they still here? Why had he kept them? They even placed in his most valued space, no less? Was it just a coincidence? Or did Ian feel something for her after all?
Her thoughts swirled into chaos and eventually, exhaustion claimed her.
The next morning, she was awakened by a commotion downstairs. When she peered over the railing, she saw a crowd gathered below. It looked like some sort of celebration.
Then, in front of everyone, Ian knelt on one knee. He was holding up a small velvet box. It was the very same diamond ring she saw last night.
"Rea, will you marry me?" he asked. He gazed up at Rea with a tenderness that nearly overflowed from his eyes.
"So that’s why you didn’t answer my calls last night … you were planning this!" Rea gasped in surprise. She did not hide the happiness in her heart.
Ian smiled and his voice dripped with warmth. It was the same warmth he used to reserve for Clara. "You deserve this and more. Rea, I will take care of you for the rest of my life."