I looked to my dad. His expression gave me no indication as to what to say. When I looked at my mom, she had tears in her eyes, and her hands up to her heart as though she knew this had been coming.
It turned back to Liam and said, “I…I don’t know what to say.”
“Then maybe I’m not finished.” He got up then dropped to one knee. He reached into his pocket and said, “I am missing a wife. And there is only one woman I want by my side. I want to share all I have, all I am, with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
He held up a beautiful diamond ring. I turned back to my parents. I could see he had gained their approval.
“You came here and asked their permission first?” He nodded. Tears burned my eyes, and I said, “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger, and I wanted to kiss him, hold him tightly, but instead he just hugged me, then went and hugged my mom, and shook my dad’s hand.
You have learned.Liam knew that a more familiar display of affection, even at this time, would not be appropriate.
He sat down beside me again, and I realized I’d just accepted a marriage proposal. I had so many questions! Do I ask now, or wait till we are alone?
Since my parents knew about us, the odds of them allowing us time alone were slim. Hopefully they still think I’m a virgin.
I turned to Liam and asked, “How long will you be in Tabiq?”
“Long enough for us to decide where we want to live, here or in Ireland,” he said.
“Liam, I told you, I can’t leave my parents here alone,” I said softly, hoping not to embarrass my parents.
“You don’t have to worry about us, Kyleigh,” Dad said.
“Yes, I do,” I said.
Mom added, “No, you don’t. Because Mr. O’Connor said that if you decided to follow him to Ireland, then we were welcome to come as well.”
“You mean, you’d leave Tabiq?” I asked, stunned.
Mom smiled. “You said it yourself. It’s okay to want to explore the world. Ireland might not be the world, but it’s a good start.”
My eyes started to water all over again. Was I getting everything that I ever wanted? How was that possible?
I looked into Liam’s eyes, but he was gazing at my lips. I knew he was fighting the urge to kiss me.
I can’t resist your delicious kisses, either.
“Liam, do you think we can go for a ride to talk about this?” I asked.
“Would it be okay with you?” he asked my dad.
“Yes. But not for long,” he replied, giving me a warning look.
I got up and hugged them both. “How did I get so lucky to have parents like the two of you?”
“We say the same thing about you,” Mom said. “Kyleigh, do me a favor.”
“What is it, Mom?”
“Don’t ever stop dreaming. And remember, if you do, it’s never too late to start again.” She hugged me again, and I headed out the door with Liam.
Once outside I asked, “Where is your car?”
“Your father picked me up. So I don’t have one.”
“Oh, you’re not going to enjoy riding in my car. It’s…in bad shape.”