“I’m not your girl,” she said, even though in her heart she knew she’d never be with anyone else.
“The best time of my life was the moment I met you.”
“Why are you saying these things? Now? Today? Why?” When their relationship had come to light, she’d read the article where he’d denied any contact with her. The feature in the newspaper had stung her more than the betrayal of her best friend and lover.
“Because I fucked up. You’re right. I spend most of my time acting as if I don’t care what people think when the truth is, I let it get between you and me. I love you, Noelle. My love will never stop.”
His words were cutting her deep.
“And if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will make sure you never go a day without my love. Every morning when I wake up I will prove to you with more than words what you mean to me. I cannot even begin to express the extent of the love I feel for you.”
Tears were streaming down her face as with every word he spoke, he took a step towards her.
“When you paint, I will be there to watch. When you’re sick, I will hold you until the pain stops, and you’re better. There is nothing I won’t do for you. All this means nothing to me.”
He opened his wallet and pulled out his credit cards and cheque books, throwing them at her feet. His expensive designer watch went on the floor along with a few other things he held.
Isaac grabbed her hand, placing it over his heart. She felt the heat of his body through his clothing, up her arm and inside her own heart. Staring into his eyes she saw the love he felt for her.
“I ask that you forgive me,” he said. Noelle was about to say the words when he went down on one knee. “Noelle Evans, will you make me the happiest man in the world and become my wife?”
He went to his pocket and pulled out a small square box.
The lid opened revealing a small, delicate gold band. The simple band meant more to her than any diamonds.
“Yes,” she said. “You had my heart and my love the moment I collided with you.” They shared a smile as he got up off the floor.
He slipped the ring on her finger. The weight felt perfect to her. Isaac took her lips as their audience applauded.
“How was my proposal?” he whispered against her ear.
“Perfect.”
“You’re going to be my wife. I can’t believe it.”
Noelle smiled and whispered her own little secret in his ear. He froze as she pressed his hand against her thickening stomach.
“You’re going to be a father.”
In front of the room full of clients and a couple of members of the press, Isaac Welch, strong businessman, fainted in a heap on the floor.
Epilogue
“Calm down,” Noelle said as the limo pulled up outside her parents’ house.
“How can I calm down? I’m about to enter the building where my woman’s parents live and tell them I’m the old guy who knocked her up. Your dad is going to want to take me in the back garden and shoot me,” Isaac said.
She couldn’t help but laugh at the way Isaac was responding. They were going to get married in the coming new year, so they had time to get her dad to agree to give her away.
Reaching over the space, she kissed him in the hope of giving him some reassurance. “Dad won’t hurt you because I love you. Besides, you’re still one half of the small guy inside me. He’ll love you like I do.”
Brad had decided to spend Christmas with Ben. In the last few days he’d managed to pull himself out of the bleakness that had consumed him. She was proud of him but scared. Brad was walking the fine line between being okay and snapping like a twig.
Isaac distracted her by resting his hand over her stomach.
“You’ve made me the happiest man on the planet. I’m so sorry for not being honest with you in the beginning.”
She smiled. Forgiving him had not been an issue. She loved him with all of her heart, and if she could forgive Brad then she could forgive Isaac.
“I love you, Isaac. Not just for the next few weeks but for the rest of my life. Even if you are older than I.”
He wrapped his arms around her and snuggled closer as the limo came to a stop outside her house.
“Enjoy the comfort I can give you. I’m about to lose my life.”
She grabbed his face and kissed him. “You’re not about to lose your life.” Taking his hand, she escorted him to her front door.
His hand shook as she pressed the bell. Her dad opened the door, a scowl on his face.
“Hi, dad,” she said. “I’d like to introduce you to Isaac Welch. He’s the man I’m in love with and whom I’m going to marry, and he’s the father of your grandchild.”