The night was cold and fresh, the sort of night that left the world just a little bit enchanted. Ryina had spent the last minute settling the twins into bed, their weary faces finally giving way to sleep. She had been going on empty for days, managing her job, motherhood, and the emotional upheaval that had come with the secrets surrounding Ethan. But tonight she felt a respite from tension. The house was quiet, the boys were asleep, and she had a few precious minutes to herself.
She walked into the kitchen to get herself a glass of wine and couldn't help but smile at the thought of the day to come. Tomorrow would be another mad day, with visits to patients and meetings to attend, but for now she was content to enjoy the stillness.
She had just settled into her favorite armchair when she heard the front door open. Frank walked in, his face illuminated with a grin that caused her heart to stutter. He had been a rock for her all these weeks, his steadfast encouragement a beacon in the darkness. She did not know how she would have weathered all this without him.
"Hi," he whispered, shutting the door. "I thought I'd catch you by surprise."
Ryina smiled, getting up to kiss him. "You always do," she said, hugging his waist. "What'cha doing here?"
Frank hesitated for a moment, his eyes roaming hers. "I had to talk to you about something," he said, his voice full of nervousness. "Something important."
Ryina's heart did a little jump. "Is something wrong?" she inquired, her brain going over things she didn't know but hoping to imagine.
Frank smiled, nodding his head. "Everything is wonderful," he assured her. "Wondrous even. But I wanted to discuss something with you."
He sat down in the living room. Ryina followed behind, intrigued. As they settled into the couch, Frank breathed, not blinking at all.
"Ryina," he began, his voice soft but insistent. "I know we've had a lot on our plates of late. I know it's been hard, and I know I've not always succeeded in demonstrating to you how much you mean to me. But I want you to know I love you. I love you more than anybody else, ever, and I don't think I could survive without you."
Ryina's heart swelled with emotion. She knew all along that Frank loved her dearly, but to have him tell her so, to witness the true sincerity in his eyes, made her heart swell to the point of exploding.
"I love you too, Frank," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Frank smiled, his hand thrust into his pocket. "I have something for you," he said, drawing out a tiny, soft box. He opened it to reveal a brilliant diamond ring, its sides flashing in the light and sparkling like a star.
Ryina's eyes widened, her hand rising to her lips. "Frank," she whispered, tears pricking in her eyes. "Is it what I hope it is?"
Frank smiled, his eyes overflowing with love. "Ryina," he answered, his voice strong and sure. "Will you marry me?"
Time came to a halt as Ryina stared at the ring, Frank's eager face. Happiness swept through her, one so strong it was almost more than she could bear. She had always dreamed of this day, had always hoped for a future of love and happiness. And now it was here, in front of her.
"Yes," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "Yes, I will marry you."
Frank's face furrowed into a smile so radiant it seemed to light up the whole room. He slid the ring onto her finger, its exact fit a symbol of their own exact fit. Ryina looked down at the ring, its sparkle a reflection of the joy in her heart.
"I love you," Frank said again, holding her tight against him. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Ryina whispered, her lips against his chest. "And I can't wait to be your wife."
As they sat there, arms around each other, Ryina felt whole for the first time in her life. The past few weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster, but now that Frank was by her side, she was ready to face whatever the future held. They were a team, and together, they could do anything.
The days that followed were a blur of activity and expectation. Ryina and Frank dived into wedding planning, their love and excitement dictating every decision. They spent hours and hours checking over invitations, choosing the perfect venue, and picking the flowers that would adorn the room. Every detail was a reflection of their love, a symbol of the life they were building together.
Ryina was never so happy. The excitement of the engagement, the thrill of the wedding, it was all a dream fulfilled. And with Frank by her side, she felt she could conquer the world. They were a couple, and as long as they stood together, they were invincible.
As the day of her wedding drew near, Ryina couldn't help but think about how far she had come. From the troubles of her childhood, from the suffering of losing her wolf, to the triumph of restoring her wolf and becoming a warrior, she had battled every challenge with courage and will. And now she was going to begin the next chapter of her life, a chapter full of love, laughter, and possibilities aplenty.