Chapter 1368
Ruben’s voice roughened with emotion. “Sophie, whatever comes next—whatever storms you face—please don’t carry them alone anymore. We’re here. We’ve always been here. Do you understand that?”
Sophie’s tears came harder now, spilling freely. “Thank you.”
Cole appeared in the doorway then, his expression urgent. “Mom, Dad’s awake. He’s asking for you—sounds pretty anxious.”
Sophie went rigid at his words. The entire journey here, she’d fortified herself with determination. She’d rehearsed this reunion a thousand times, convinced herself she could face Jarrett despite everything. But now that the moment had arrived, her courage scattered like smoke. Concern gripped her. What would Jarrett see when he looked at her? Would disgust flash across his face before he could hide it? Would he turn away?
Ruben and Diane read her hesitation instantly. They moved closer, their voices gentle but firm. “Sophie, go to him. Your face changes nothing—not for Jarrett. His love doesn’t rest on something so fragile. He’s been desperate to see you. Don’t make him wait another second.”
Their words breathed life back into Sophie’s resolve. She pulled in a shaky breath, summoned what courage remained, and turned toward the door.
She reached Jarrett’s room just as Elliana stepped out. “I just finished checking on him,” Elliana said, offering a reassuring smile. “He’s doing remarkably well—stable. Go on in. With you beside him, he’ll be back on his feet before you know it.”
Sophie nodded, her throat too tight for words, and slipped through the door.
Elliana eased the door shut behind her, granting them the privacy they needed.
The moment Elliana turned around, Cole was there. He caught her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Thank you.”
Elliana raised an eyebrow and pulled her hand back with exaggerated hauteur. “Excuse me, who gave you permission to kiss me like that? We aren’t even remarried yet.”
Cole drew her into his arms and kissed her cheek, soft and deliberate. “I’ve already written the third application.”
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Elliana blinked in surprise. That was fast. She gentled her voice, though mischief danced in her eyes. “You know, you squandered your first two chances pretty spectacularly. Maybe you should give this last one a bit more thought? It’s all you’ve got left.”
“I have thought it through.” Cole’s voice dropped, steady and sure. “Long and hard.” Then, he pulled out the third application, sank to one knee right there in the hospital corridor, and looked up at her. “Elliana, will you marry me?”
Elliana hadn’t expected this—not here, not now. Her gaze darted down the hallway, half-worried someone would round the corner and stumble into this intimate moment. Most men proposed with diamond rings blazing under restaurant lights. Cole was proposing with a piece of paper. How much faith did he have in whatever he’d written?
Curiosity won. She plucked the application from his hand and unfolded it.
It read, “We’ll weather every storm together, never leaving each other’s side.”
Tears sprang to her eyes before she could stop them. He’d finally understood. He’d let go of the pride and stubbornness that had nearly destroyed their relationship. This was it. This was the marriage she’d always wanted—not perfect, but honest. Not easy, but committed.
.
.
.