Chapter 259

Chapter 259
Lily's POV

I followed Nathan onto the balcony, the sounds of the reception fading behind us. The night air was cool against my skin, a welcome relief from the emotional weight of the day. The city lights sparkled below us, creating a backdrop that would have been romantic under different circumstances.

Nathan seemed nervous as he turned to face me, which was unusual.

"I have something for you," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small blue velvet box.

My breath caught. I stared at the box, confused, as he opened it to reveal a stunning diamond ring that caught the moonlight, sending little rainbows dancing across his face.

"So you're proposing to me again?" I asked, not extending my hand.

Nathan's lips quirked into a half-smile. "I could repeat my vows if you'd like, but I don't think you want to hear them. Things got pretty bad after the last time."

He wasn't wrong. His first proposal had been followed by revelations that had nearly torn us apart. I didn't want to revisit those memories.

"I know you've been avoiding talking about the wedding because you probably feel like I'm not ready," he continued, his green eyes searching mine. "But I am ready. I do want to be with you, and I never planned on leaving you."

I couldn't help but smile. "Clearly. Clearly there are no better options."

Nathan shook his head, acknowledging my joke with a brief grin before his expression turned serious again. "I'm not perfect, and I'm not good at keeping promises, but there's something I need to be honest about."

I held my breath, waiting.

"I can't change the family business," he said, his voice firm but apologetic. "I'm sorry, but I can't. My father would respect my decision, but it's not what he wanted."

I exhaled slowly. Despite everything we'd been through, I appreciated his honesty. As a Donovan, I understood that the connection to these families would always exist. If being with Nathan meant sacrificing some freedom, it was a sacrifice I was willing to make to spend my life with him.

"I understand," I said quietly.

"What I can promise you," he continued, "is that I won't force our children to do anything they don't want to do. I'll let them decide for themselves."

The mention of our children—both Eleanor and the baby growing inside me—made my heart swell. "I can live with that. I wouldn't want them to be forced into anything like you were."

Then, almost in a whisper, I admitted a dream I hadn't shared before: "Though I do hope Eleanor becomes a successful businesswoman."

Nathan's eyes lit up with amusement. "I named a building after her and bragged to everyone about how amazing she's going to be. Speaking of Eleanor..." He chuckled. "I don't think she has much of a choice."

He took my hand then, holding the new ring near my finger. "Will you stay with me, and will you still marry me?"

The sincerity in his voice touched me deeply. After everything we'd been through, all the pain and healing, there was only one answer I could give.

"Yes, I will! You won't get rid of me that easily."

Nathan slid the ring onto my finger next to the family heirloom. Both sparkled in the moonlight, symbols of our past and future together.

"So when do you want to get married?" he asked.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage for what I needed to say next. "We should wait until after the pregnancy—and I think we still very much need therapy—so that's something I want to consider."

Nathan raised his eyebrows. "Is that really necessary?"

"Yes," I said firmly.

He looked uncomfortable but nodded in agreement. I knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear, and I felt sorry for that, but I believed it was necessary for a healthy, lasting marriage.

Trying to lighten his mood, I added, "But if we don't get married within three years, we'll run off to Vegas and get married in one of your family's casinos."

Nathan's response surprised me. He covered his frown with a flirtatious smirk, but I could see the sadness behind it. "Three years? That's fine with me. I could wait a hundred years for you."

My cheeks flushed at his words. "Don't be so cheesy."

Nathan smiled, a sad smile that made my heart ache. "It's true, though. Are you... happy?"

"Of course I'm happy," I said without hesitation. We loved each other, we loved Eleanor, and we were a perfect little family regardless of what anyone else thought. "Thank you for everything. You'll be a good husband."

"Then why won't you marry me?" he countered.

I looked down at my fingers, now adorned with two diamond rings, and answered softly, "I will. Eventually."

Nathan couldn't meet my eyes. "Don't thank me for doing the bare minimum. I know I'm not good enough yet. You shouldn't just say things to make me feel better."

I made him look at me. "I'm not. I will marry you."

His eyes brightened, though uncertainty lingered in them. It was strange seeing him so insecure, and I wondered if this change was for better or worse.

"Without a doubt," I assured him. "When I first moved in, you promised you'd take care of Eleanor and me, and I never thanked you for that... so, thank you."

"For doing what I was supposed to do?" he asked.

"No. For keeping your promise."

We stood together on the balcony, the weight of Richard's absence still heavy in our hearts, but with a new promise between us—one that would carry us into the future, no matter how long it took.