Chapter 173 You Haven't Answered Yet

Chapter 173 You Haven't Answered Yet
Jane's POV

"Going through Jennifer and Daisy's funeral with you, staying up through those sleepless nights together—it made me understand how heavy life's regrets can be, and it made me treasure every moment I get to spend with you even more." His voice was low and earnest, filled with quiet strength, his gaze never leaving mine.

"I used to think life was full of 'too lates,' but since I met you, I want to give you all my 'just in times.' Every beautiful day ahead, every rainy afternoon, every sunrise and sunset, every long stretch of road life takes us down—I want to walk it all holding your hand, giving you all my tenderness, keeping all my love safe in my heart. Will you marry me?"

As his words faded, several figures emerged from behind the cherry trees—William, Ava, Richard, and Emma, whom I hadn't seen in ages. They were all smiling as they approached us.

"Surprise!" Ava called out softly, carrying a bouquet of blooming pink roses, their petals still dotted with dewdrops.

"You were all in on this!" I exclaimed through my tears, looking at each of their beaming faces.

"Are you kidding?" William grinned, camera in hand. "We've been planning this for weeks. David was driving us crazy with all the details."

"He made us rehearse where to stand at least five times," Richard laughed, holding a small speaker playing soft piano music.

Emma stepped forward, clutching an elegant gift box, her face bright with excitement. "I'm so sorry for keeping secrets, but David threatened to uninvite me if I spoiled the surprise!"

"So this is why you've been acting so weird," I said to Ava, wiping my eyes. "And here I thought David was getting tired of me."

"Tired of you?" David's voice was incredulous from where he still knelt. "Jane, I've been a nervous wreck for weeks trying to make this perfect. I could barely eat, barely sleep..."

"You should have seen him," Ava added with a grin. "He changed his mind about the ring three times, the location twice, and don't even get me started on the speech he's been practicing."

"Ava!" David protested, his cheeks flushing.

The breeze stirred gently, sending cherry blossoms floating down around us—onto David's shoulders, onto the velvet ring box, into my hair.

Looking into David's eyes, seeing the unguarded sincerity and hope there, then glancing at our friends' warm, blessing smiles—especially Emma's familiar, beloved face—I thought about all the support and companionship we'd shared, the regret and sorrow at the funeral, and now this moment of warmth and surprise.

My throat tightened, and tears sprang to my eyes. Through the blur, I could still see David's unwavering gaze and the ring's brilliant sparkle.

"Jane?" David's voice was soft, vulnerable. "You haven't answered yet. You're killing me here."

I laughed through my tears, nodding firmly, my voice thick with emotion but absolutely certain. "Yes. Yes, of course, yes! I can't believe you thought I'd say anything else."

"Thank God," David breathed, his face breaking into a radiant smile. "For a minute there, I thought—"

"You thought wrong," I interrupted, kneeling down to his level and cupping his face in my hands. "I love you, you beautiful, secretive, wonderful man."

He took the ring and carefully slipped it onto my finger—a perfect fit. "How did you know my size?" I asked, admiring the way the sapphires caught the light.

"I may have borrowed one of your other rings," he admitted sheepishly as he stood, pulling me up with him. "With Ava's help."

"I knew it!" I exclaimed.

David pulled me into his arms, holding me with gentle strength as if he wanted to make me part of his very soul. His chin rested on top of my head as he whispered in my ear, "Thank you for agreeing to walk through the rest of life with me."

"Thank you for asking," I whispered back.

Our friends gathered around us, offering their congratulations. William clapped David on the shoulder with a grin. "About time you came to your senses. You better treat her right, or you'll answer to all of us."

"No pressure," David laughed.

Ava handed me tissues and rubbed my back gently. "I'm so happy for you. And I'm sorry for being such a terrible liar. You almost caught me so many times."

"I knew something was up," I said, dabbing at my eyes. "You kept smiling at nothing."

"That's because David kept texting me updates about his panic attacks," she laughed.

Richard stepped forward with a warm smile. "This was long overdue. Now we have even more reasons to get together. I hope you're thinking of a summer wedding—I make an excellent groomsman."

"Presumptuous much?" David teased, but his smile was warm.

Emma stepped forward to hug me, pressing the gift box into my hands. "Congratulations! I picked this out especially for you two. May you always be this happy."

"Emma, you didn't have to—" I started.

"Open it later," she winked. "When you're alone."

"Should I be worried?" David asked, eyeing the box suspiciously.

"Very," Emma grinned.

The breeze continued to blow gently, carrying the warmth of sunshine and the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms, sweeping away all our regrets and shadows.

In this moment, surrounded by my beloved's embrace, my dear friends' blessings, the golden sun, dancing petals, and the gentle lake—all those past hurts were settling into a foundation of gratitude. The days ahead would be filled with tenderness and joy.

"So," I said, looking up at David with a mischievous smile, "what other surprises are you hiding from me?"

"Just one," he said, gesturing toward the champagne setup. "I was hoping we could celebrate properly."

"Now that," I said, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him, "sounds perfect."