Chapter 46

TLara smiled, her heart overflowing with warmth. "Jacob, love is a journey, and ours has been filled with twists and turns. But through it all, we have found our way back to each other. We've learned that love isn't just about the highs, but also about weathering the storms together. And I'm ready to face whatever challenges come our way."

With that, Jacob took Lara's hand and dropped to one knee, his eyes locking with hers. "Lara, will you do me the honor of marrying me? Will you be my partner, my rock, and my forever?"

Lara's breath caught in her throat, tears of joy welling in her eyes. She nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Jacob. Yes, a thousand times over. I choose you, now and always."

As the hours passed, their conversation deepened, unraveling the layers of their shared history. Katie discovered glimpses of her father within Jacob—the way he spoke, the gestures he made. And despite the pain, a connection began to form, like a fragile bridge spanning the chasm of the