“Hold off on that a few more minutes,” Reed told her. “I’ve got my own contribution.” He reached behind the bookcase and pulled out a large frame. The Superman crest with a giant emblazoned C, painted in vintage comicbook style. “In case you ever start to doubt yourself.”
On a watery laugh, Cecily threw her arms around his neck. “It’s wonderful. You’re wonderful.” She rained kisses over his face.
Reed’s arms tightened around her, and he tipped his mouth down to hers for a lingering kiss. “Glad you think so, but that’s not it.”
“What more can there be?”
“This whole venture is about you setting out on your own, going after the life, the work you want, on your terms. I couldn’t be prouder of you. And you’ve inspired me to do the same.”
Not understanding, Cecily shook her head. “But you’ve already gone after the work you want. Inglenook is well on the way to being that community hub.”
“Entirely thanks to you. I have exactly what I want in work. Now it’s time to go after what I want for the rest of my life.”
“What’s that?”
Taking her hand, he stepped back and dropped to one knee. “You.”
“Ohmygod.”
“A wise woman once told me, ‘When you know, you know.’ I knew you were it for me that night we went to Oxford. So, Cecily Davenport Dixon, will you marry me and make me a permanent part of this new life you’re starting?”
She’d been the one to tell him that, when she’d told him her parents’ love story. And somewhere, deep down, she’d known, too. Because Reed had always seen beyond the surface to the real her.
Cecily dropped to her knees and took his other hand, bringing them both to her heart. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”