Authors: Cynthia Hampton
Midnight Diamonds (26 page)
“Fire and ice roses, a perfect symbol of our relationship so far.” He handed her the roses. She leaned down to smell them and gave him a watery smile. “There’s one more thing I need to say. There is no doubt in my mind that you’re in my life for a reason. You taught me more than big words, Miss Madison. You showed me unconditional love, like the song said. You also told me that love is better shared with someone.”
Her eyes widened, and he knew she remembered that night at the lake house.
“I was a fool. A selfish man who couldn’t see the enormous gift put right in front of me. But I see it now and I’m asking for another chance.”
When the audience began clapping, Kade, Slade, and Ginny Rivers walked out from the wings and handed Justin a small object covered in white silk. Slade patted him on the shoulder then, as they walked back to the wings, he put a finger to his lips and the auditorium became quiet. Hundreds of students had their phones out, recording the moments.
Justin took off the white silk to reveal a royal blue, heart-shaped, velvet ring box. Dropping to one knee, he braced himself to say the most important words of his life. Tears streamed down Silver’s cheeks. Audible gasps could be heard all over the room. Everyone stood to see what was happening onstage.
“Silver, I love you. With all my heart. With all of me there is to give. I’m not perfect and I make a lot of mistakes. But with you at my side, I will be a better man in this world. I don’t want to spend another day without you. I promise to love you forever if you’ll have me.” His voice broke on the last few words, and he heard Silver’s ragged breathing as she tried to contain her sobs.
Justin opened the box that held a large marquis-shaped diamond ring. Holding it up to her, he took a deep breath. “Silver Madison, will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?” Applause and cheering exploded in the room.
She stared at the ring and put one hand over her mouth, shaking her head and burying her face in the flowers. Then she sniffed loudly but she didn’t answer. Long silent moments stretched out and still she didn’t move. The crowd noise died down to frantic whispers, then to nothing.
He glanced over to Becky and Hunter who were holding hands; his mom and Amelia had their arms linked.
Too late.
He’d taken a chance one last time on winning her heart, and he’d lost. His heart shattering, Justin started to close the box when her hand stopped him. He raised his eyes to see her smiling at him with love and joy.
“I love you, cowboy. Of course I’ll marry you.”
Loud cheering burst forth from the audience as he put the ring on Silver’s finger. Then Justin stood and swept her into his arms, kissing her as he whirled around in a circle. He stopped and set her down, hugging her close. After several minutes, he leaned back and grinned at her.
She tilted her head to one side. “What’s so funny?”
“Do you realize everyone will be calling you Silver Rivers?”
She reached for his cowboy hat and put it on her head, tipped it back with one finger, then winked at him.
“I don’t care what they call me. You can call me darlin’.”
END
~ About the Author ~
Growing up in Edmond, Oklahoma was an amazing experience for Cynthia Hampton. She always wanted to be a teacher and a writer. After twenty years as a teacher on both the high school and college levels, she decided to pursue her dream of being a writer. Her four children and four grandchildren are her biggest fans, followed closely by her students and friends.
Discover more about Cynthia Hampton here
Blog:
http://cynthiahampton.blogspot.com/2014/06/one-step.html
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