“I’m empty without you,” I say. “This whole week just proved to me that my heart beats just for you, and only when you’re around. I was empty, a shell of a man.” I walk to her. “You, Savannah, where you are is my home. Beside you, holding your hand, kissing you, laughing with you, fighting with you, making love to you. That is where my home is.” I get down on one knee in front of her. “I know that this is late, and technically, we are already married, but …” I take a huge deep breath. “Will you marry me? I mean, this time for real.”

“I came back here, and I was expecting to have to beg you to forgive me. What I did to you by leaving was uncalled for. It hurt you, and I didn’t even think how you would feel having me leave. It was selfish, and I promise to never do it again.”

“Does that mean you’re staying?” I ask, the hope filling my heart.

“It means that this …” She opens her arms. “This bar, this town, Ethan, you …” She grabs my face, bending over. “You are my home, and I’m not going anywhere.” I smile through my own tears. “And to answer your question, yes, I’ll marry you again.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Savannah

Four days later

“Where do you want us to put all of these red Solo cups?” I hear a voice behind me and turn around. “The table out there is full.”

I look at one of the volunteers who has come to help us set up for our grand opening. “Is there space under the table?”

“Good idea,” he says and walks away from the bar toward the door.

“Are you done ogling other men?” I hear Beau coming out of my office and looking at me. I throw my head back and laugh.

“I have enough man at home that I don’t need to go out looking for another one,” I say, smiling. It’s been four days since I’ve been back home. Four days that I’ve cried only happy tears. “Are you ready for your speech, Mr. Mayor?” After Kallie and Olivia came over, they told me about all the men and women who came out. I didn’t know how else to say thank you to everyone, so I thought we should throw one epic party.

I brought it up to Beau, who thought it would be amazing if we did family day there also, so my parking lot is now set up with barbecue pits. There are a couple of ponies that Casey has donated for the kids to ride. There are some inflatable rides also. “How is setup outside going?” I ask as he walks to me. “It’s good. The bands are setting up.”