Sarah watched him go around the front of the truck. He looked so handsome in the navy polo shirt and khaki pants he’d worn to the wedding. The door opened, and Charlie leaned across her to release the seat belt. He held out his hands to her and helped her out of the truck.

Inside, he poured her a glass of wine and told her to wait in the kitchen for just a minute.

Wondering what he was up to, she sipped her wine and tried to keep her nerves under control. Though she was several decades and seven children removed from her first time with a man, this felt like the first time all over again because it was her first time with Charlie.

He returned and extended his hand to her.

Sarah put down the wineglass and went to him.

He led her to his bedroom where he’d lit a dozen candles. “I wish it was the Ritz or something classy for you.”

“I don’t need that.”

“I’d still like to give it to you, and soon enough I’ll be able to.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m getting a settlement from the state to compensate me for the years I spent in jail.”

“What kind of settlement?”

“A really, really big one,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be able to give you anything you ever wanted. You can have your choice of houses, vacations, things for your kids. Anything you want. Sky’s the limit.”

Sarah stared at him, wondering if she heard him correctly. “I…I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. You just have to let me spoil you because that’ll make me happy. I want to give you everything you were denied for so many years. I want you to be happy and surrounded by the people you love in a home we pick out together. I want you to marry me and spend the rest of your life with me.” He raised his hands to her face and kissed her softly. “Will you marry me, Sarah?”

“Yes, Charlie. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“We’ll go to the mainland this week to pick out a ring. Any ring you want.”

“I’m not divorced yet.”

“Who cares? I’m not going anywhere. Are you?”

“Where would I go when you’re here?” Sarah surprised herself nearly as much as she surprised him when she tugged his shirt from his pants and lifted it up and over his head. She flattened her hands on his chest and kissed his neck.

“You looked beautiful today,” he said.

“It’s the dress. Tiffany talked me into it.”

“The dress is gorgeous,” he said as he lifted it up and over her head. “But you were beautiful, glowing with happiness as your son married his Laura. I loved seeing you that way.”