Page 107 of Falling For You

“It’s incredible.” Gabe’s softly spoken words made her blush. He moved closer, studying each intricate detail. “I can’t believe you finished this so quickly.”

“I started it a couple of days after I arrived in Sapphire Bay. When I saw you by the lake with Sherlock, I knew this was what I wanted to paint.”

In the portrait, Gabe stood by the shore with his arm behind him, ready to skim a stone across the water. Sherlock was in front of him, his eyes locked on Gabe’s, waiting for the moment the stone flew through the air.

“You included the whistle.”

She nodded and looked at the painting. Around Gabe’s neck was the small wooden whistle that had helped save her life. “I wanted you to remember that the smallest things can have a profound effect on someone’s life.”

When he looked at Natalie, there were tears in his eyes. “I love it.”

“Enough to take it home with you?” Natalie held her breath, waiting for his reply.

“Enough to take it home withus.” He wiped his eyes and smiled. “This isn’t how I’d planned tonight, but it’s the right time.” With trembling hands, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet box.

Natalie’s mouth dropped open. Then tears filled her eyes.

Gabe held her hand and knelt in front of her. “I love you, Natalie. I can’t imagine my life without you. I want us to be a family, to have children and grow old together. I want to be beside you in good times and bad, and for you to know that you’ll always be the most important person in my life. Will you marry me?”

He opened the box and Natalie started shaking. “It’s grandma’s engagement ring.”

“When I asked your mom if I had her blessing, she offered me your grandma’s ring. If you’d like a new one we can—”

Natalie leaned forward and kissed Gabe. “No. It is perfect.”

He stood and held her hands. “Does this mean you’ll marry me?”

She looked into his eyes. This was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The man who would be her soft place to fall. “Yes, I will marry you.”

A loud cheer filled the gallery.

Natalie looked over her shoulder and smiled at the people watching them. She grinned at her mom and Lorenzo, then hugged Gabe tight. “I love you.”

He lifted her off her feet and swung her in a circle. “I love you, too.”

THE END