“Have a donut,” Blake said to Julie pushing the box in her direction.
“I’m too tired to eat,” she said.
“I’m never too tired to eat,” Blake commented, and the room broke into laughter.
“Yes, we know,” Julie said smiling.
Blake finished off his donut and stood up. “Time for beddy-bye.”
“Us too,” Royce said and Lauren climbed off his lap.
“I know you’re tired,” Lauren said to Julie, “but tomorrow let’s talk about you leaving divorce behind and coming to work with my new firm.”
“Yes,” Julie said. “I’d like that.” She was ready to leave the past behind, ready to take some risks.
Goodbyes were said, and soon Julie was alone with Luke. She had no idea what had gotten into her, but now that she’d taken the step to confess her love for Luke, she was feeling daring all over again.
“Luke,” she said, caressing his cheek. “Will you marry me?”
Luke stared at her, a stunned look on his face before his lips curved into a smile. “You know you just stole my thunder, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“Us macho Walker men like to go down on one knee and propose properly. And I’m supposed to have the ring first.”
“Oh, right,” she said, smiling at his response. “So, now what do we do?”
He set her on her feet and then back in the chair and went down on one knee. “Julie. Will you marry me?”
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling like she was home for the first time in her life.
THE END