CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE - The Proposal

Lucas stood, pulling Ella to her feet and into his arms. "I love you too. More than I ever thought possible. And I promise, from now on, I'll do a better job of showing you every day just how much you mean to me." As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Ella felt a sense of peace wash over her. They had faced this challenge and come out stronger for it. She knew there would be more obstacles ahead, but she also knew that together, they could weather any storm. Lucas pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Ella's face. "So, where do we go from here?" Ella smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, we are alone in the restaurant... and I seem to remember you promising to show me how much I mean to you." Lucas grinned, pulling her closer. "I did say that, didn't I? Allow me to demonstrate..." As their lips met in a passionate kiss, all thoughts of Victoria and past insecurities faded away. In that moment, there was only Lucas and Ella, two people deeply in love, ready