He’d been fighting the curse for a lifetime. His family had been fighting it even longer.

“What are you willing to do about it?” she asked softly.

He cupped her face in his hands and her heart felt like bursting. “I love you, Gabrielle Donovan. I loved you when I was eighteen, I loved you in between and I love you now.”

Tears flowed unchecked from her eyes at the words she’d longed to hear for so long. “Aren’t you afraid of what will happen now?”

They both knew she meant the curse.

He shook his head. “No. Well, maybe a little,” he said, laughing. “Old habits die hard. But I feel pretty sure we can overcome anything life throws at us together.”

She grinned and Derek swore to himself he’d make it his mission to keep her smiling for the rest of their lives, the curse be damned.

He loved her. He’d told her. And the earth hadn’t opened up and swallowed him whole.

“You really believe our love can overcome anything?” she asked.

He nodded. “I do. Want to know why? Because I have you by my side.”

The look on her face filled him with everything he needed.

“I love you, too,” she said, her gaze never leaving his.

“So what do you say we go give Holly her birthday present?” Derek suggested, taking Gabrielle’s hand.

She tipped her head to one side. “Which present is that?”

“News of our engagement…if you’ll marry me,” he said, pulling a ring from his front pocket.

He’d purchased it the day Holly had asked him to invite Gabrielle for her birthday. Derek had asked his daughter how she’d feel to have Gabrielle as her stepmother. Lucky for him, Holly had loved Gabrielle as much as he did.

“I’m stunned.”

He grinned. “I do think we’ve waited long enough, don’t you? Gabrielle, will you marry me?” he asked.

“Yes!” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

He knew, together, they’d make it. After all, he had his very own lucky charm.

CARLY PHILLIPS

  • 1
  • …
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40