Whispers at Willow Lake (9 page)

“Your birthday.” He reached into his pocket, felt the small box he’d tucked there hours ago. “But I didn’t. I couldn’t.”

“Oh, Ryder.” She took the box and slipped a finger over the shimmery-pink wrapping. “You shouldn’t have. You’ve spent a fortune on landscaping…and all the time you’ve put in. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“I haven’t asked you to repay me. The landscaping is a gift—and not from me, but from Mama Stallings. I’m paying her kindness forward, just as she asked me to.”

“You mean…” Ali’s eyes filled with tears.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” He tapped the box. “This, on the other hand, is my birthday gift to you. Open it.”

She tugged at the wrapping, loosening it along the seam until the box slipped free. Ryder knew the exact moment she realized what waited inside.

“It’s my heart, Ali.” He handed her the small silver charm—two hearts entwined to become one. “All of it, for you. I love you. I want to spend my life with you.”

“I love you, too.” She threw her arms around him, tears overflowing. Their kiss was a promise of God’s plan for them…and of all yet to come.

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AMDG