Epilogue

Abbie and Creed sat on the plush sofa in his living room, bathed in the glow of the television. But Abbie could sense something was off with him. She leaned back to study his face, catching the slight furrowing of his brow and the tapping of his foot.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly.

"Nothing. Why do you ask?"

"You seem restless."

"Me?" he replied, but his eyes darted away from hers.

Abbie narrowed her gaze. "Who else would I be talking to?"

Creed let out a small laugh. "You can be such a smartass."

"Just answer the question."

He stood up abruptly and began pacing back and forth in front of the sofa, then he swore as Abbie's cat chased his dog through the house. Who knew they'd get along so well? Finally, he turned to face her.

"I love you," he blurted out.

Abbie's brows knit together in confusion. "I know. Wait, are you trying to tell me you've changed your mind about having kids? Because if you have, Creed McBride, I will punch you in the throat."

This time, Creed couldn't hold back his laughter. "No, no. That's not it at all. I'm just trying to work up the courage here."

"For what?"

He walked back over to the sofa, sat down next to her, and took her hand in his. He placed a soft kiss on her palm and looked into her eyes.

"To ask you to marry me."

Abbie's heart swelled with emotion. "I thought you already did."

"We talked about it, and I said I wanted to marry you, but I don't think I ever actually asked you."

She pursed her lips thoughtfully. "You're right." A mischievous smile spread across her face as she crossed her arms. "Well then, go ahead and ask."

Creed let out a nervous laugh. "Damn. Okay. Abbie, will you marry me?"

She couldn't help but laugh as she threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips.

"Of course, I will. I love you."

Creed stood up, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small black velvet box. He sat back down beside her and opened the lid to reveal a stunning diamond ring set in yellow gold.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.

"Just like you," he replied with a smile. "If you don't like it—"

"I love it," she interrupted, gazing at the ring and then back at him with tears in her eyes.

Without hesitation, Creed slid the ring onto her finger and she held it out to admire it, still unable to believe this was really happening.

"Don't cry, baby," he said gently, brushing away a stray tear.

"They're happy tears," she assured him, fanning her hand over her face.

"How about we go out to celebrate? We can ask Lorna and Eli to join us."

"That sounds perfect."

"I'll make the reservation or call Grant to see if they can squeeze us in last minute."

"Actually, let me call Lorna first. They might not be able to go tonight."

"In that case, how about we make it tomorrow night? Tonight, let's just celebrate on our own." A mischievous glint appeared in his eye as he pulled her up from the sofa and led her toward the bedroom.

"Oh really. How are we going to do that?" Abbie laughed playfully as he kicked the bedroom door closed behind them.

"I'm sure we'll think of something," Creed teased with a grin as they disappeared into the room together.

* * * The End * * *