CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT - A Plea for Forgiveness

They strolled in comfortable silence for a while, the cool evening breeze carrying the salt scent of the ocean. Claire's mind was racing, trying to sort through her conflicting emotions. "Penny for your thoughts?" Mason asked softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Claire sighed. "I'm just... overwhelmed, I guess. In a good way, mostly. I love you, Mason. I hope you know that." "I do know that," he replied. "And I hope you know how much I love you. I meant what I said earlier – there's no pressure here. I just want you to be happy." They stopped walking, turning to face each other. Claire looked up into Mason's eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and love reflected back at her. "Can I ask you something?" she said. "Anything." "Why now? After everything we've been through, all the ups and downs... why propose now?" Mason took a deep breath before answering. "Honestly? Because going through all of that made me realize how much I can't imagine my life without you. The thought of