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She tried to pull away from me, but I kept her close I lifted her face so I could look into her beautiful green eyes I could see fear in them, and it saddened me She had to knoould never hurt her

“Calida, Ginger, er I want to love you and cherish you in the manner you deserve You just have to let me”

The front door opened, and she turned to see our families; Macy, er’s parents, Sandy and Collin, along with mine, who’d driven down from North Carolina to be here for us She needed to see that she was not alone, that we all loved her That they all supported her—supported us

I waited on bated breath for Ginger to respond The seconds ticked by stretching out her silence and allowing time for my earlier fears to creep back in

She turned to look at me She closed her eyes and took a breath “Okay,” she whispered

My world stopped and istered what she’d said That one word made me the happiest man on Earth My first instinct was to e in my arms stopped me As much as I wanted to hold her, and kiss her, I refrained

“So, letLondon to Mitch “Mal wouldn’t let rabbed her friend’s hand and frowned up at me

“It’s not an engageo off onThe platinum band was topped with one carat worth of diamonds embedded within the symbol It was simple, yet classic Perfect for her

“Welco me a pat on the back

“Thank you, sweetie, for getting hi

Ginger nodded then walked over to her mom, took Shawn, and headed farther into the house I stayed to talk with everyone and to decide where we should go for dinner After a fewon the bac

k deck Mature trees shaded the ive Shawn rooot older

“Did you see the rest of the house?”

She jumped at the sound of my voice

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you”