Tears streamed down my face. Sobs bubbled up through my middle. I barely registered his guys and the others coming up the path toward the cliff.

“Yes,” I said, putting out my hand. “Yes! I love you.”

With a triumphant smile, he slipped the ring onto my finger and stood, capturing my lips with his. The rock shuddered under our feet, nothing more than a pleasing vibration, Jerry giving his congratulations. Red rose petals caught the sun as they fluttered out over the ocean and danced in the air, Donovan’s touch. Lightning came down from a suddenly building storm, curving into the shape of a heart, over and over, Dylan’s support. Large rainbows blossomed into light shows, Boman’s congrats. A dead body pitched over the side and gave a thumbs-up on the way down.

“Bria’s magic doesn’t really match this scene,” I said, watching it like I might a car wreck.

“It would’ve been really embarrassing if you’d said no,” Kieran said, then kissed me again. “I love you, Alexis. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

I let our kiss linger, reveling in the feel of him, before everyone came down to join us, all smiles and congratulations. I hugged my kids and stood with Kieran as we looked out over the tranquil waters. It might’ve been a hard road, but sometimes the hardest roads took you to the best destinations. I’d found my happily ever after.