I turn around to look at Cohen, and when I do, the tears begin to trail down my cheeks. There he is, down on one knee, smiling up at me.
I clamp one hand over my mouth to stop myself from crying loudly.
His smile fades slightly, and he looks disconcerted. “Are these happy tears, or did I misread our relationship horribly?”
I laugh, even though I’m still crying. “Happy tears.”
“Oh, good,” he says. “In that case…” He digs in his pocket for a second and then pulls out the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. It’s simple, minimal, and delicate. It’s perfect. He holds it out in front of him. “Mina—”
“Wait,” I say, trying to catch my breath. I smile at him. “My full name.” Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned—although hopefully there’s more than one—it’s that I am who I am. No more or less than myself—name included. When I first got to know Cohen, I was a damsel in distress, but that’s not me anymore; I’m just a damsel now. Damsels use their own names.
He smirks. “Wilhelmina Dorcas Perkins, you are without a doubt the best person I’ve ever known.”
I bite my lip, trying to keep the tears at bay, and his grin widens.
“You have never ceased to support me and to be there for me.” Now his smile softens again, and there’s such open love in his eyes that my eyes start to sting all over again. “Please let me be there for you,” he says. “For the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”
I give him a huge, watery smile. “Yes. Please, yes.”
He slips the ring on my finger, and it settles so comfortably there that it’s as though it was created solely to bind me to Cohen. Then Cohen stands, and I step into his arms. He looks down at me.
“I love you, Willy,” he whispers.
“I love you too, Coco. You’re a beautiful man,” I say to him, touching his crooked nose lightly.
He raises one brow. “Can’t fix ugly,” he says.
“You’re not ugly,” I say. “But that doesn’t matter. Ugly doesn’t need fixing.” Without waiting for an invitation, I go to kiss him. He leans down and meets me halfway, his arms tightening around me, his lips sweet and tender on mine.
I am going to kiss this man every day for the rest of my life, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.
* * *
Acknowledgments
This book would not exist without the patience, love, and encouragement of many people. First, to the wonderful attendees of the Hidden Springs Writer's Retreat: your enthusiasm gave me the motivation to keep going when what I really wanted to do was delete the whole document, set the computer on fire, and down a carton of ice cream instead.
Second, to Jessi S.: my one-woman writing group, sounding board, and fellow procrastinator. This story absolutely would not have been told without you. Thank you for being exactly what I need when I need it.
Last, but not least, to my wonderful husband and family: you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You're patient, encouraging, and kind. My goal in life is to deserve you.
And above all, to the Giver of Gifts: may my words ever glorify You.
Shameless Plea
If you enjoyed reading this book, please consider leaving a review! Reviews are invaluable to the indie author--almost as valuable as Mina is to Cohen.
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