Epilogue

God is good. God heals. God answers prayers. God is faithful. Words are inadequate. There is no way I can describe the wonders I have witnessed from God in my life. I have nothing but love and trust in His will. I've had to believe He would hear me. That He would bring Daniel back safely. That He would open Daniel's eyes. That He would show me His will in my life.

Aha.

Yes. This is an 'Aha' moment.

Daniel bends on his knee after courting me for a year. He tells me how hard it has been for him to wait for today. He tells me how grateful he is to have me in his life.

Tears stream down my cheeks. I cover my mouth with my hand as I glance around the living room at Daniel's family. Jacob and Morgan are grinning. Just last week, he gave her a ring. Sarah is standing behind the couch, smiling at me. Daniel's parents are in the corner with my mom and her new husband. Everyone is here for this moment.

"So," Daniel says, holding my left hand in his while staring up at me. "What do you say, Heather? Will you marry me?"

I bite my lip, letting my hand fall away from my face. Daniel quickly grabs it and laces his fingers through mine. This man, the wonderful man whom God has allowed me to love.

"Like you have to ask," I tease, giggling as I tug him to his feet. "Of course, I'll marry you."

"I'm just checking," he replies, chuckling as he gathers me in his arms. "What if we're no longer on the same page?"

"That would never happen, you goof! God wouldn't have brought us together if we were to change paths later, right?"

Daniel smiles and leans his forehead against mine. I cross my wrists behind his neck, closing my eyes. A second goes by before I feel something edge its way up my side to just beneath my armpit.

"Daniel!" I shriek when he starts tickling my most sensitive spot.

He laughs when I jump to get away. Everyone joins the laughter as he catches me from behind and smooches my cheek. His favorite thing to do, aside of tickling me. A few minutes later, after receiving congratulations and loads of hugs, Daniel is pulling me to his room.

"I spent so much time here," I whisper as Daniel jumps into a sitting position against the headboard.

"I remember," he whispers back, patting the spot on the bed next to him. "I was around, watching everything you did."

I climb up beside him and lean against his chest. Daniel's arms cradle me.

"Do you think it's impossible to believe that today, last year, I woke up from a coma?" he asks; I can feel his lips on the top of my head.

"Hold up buddy," I say, moving to my knees as I face him. "Since when was it impossible to believe? I thought nothing was impossible with God."

A smile spreads across his face.

"That's one of the reasons why I love you," Daniel reaches up and takes my hair into his hands. He tugs me forward and presses a chaste kiss to my lips.

"You've become a strong woman of God, Heather," he says, watching me with intent blue gems. "Just like I always knew you would."

"Where would I be without your fervent prayers?" I ask in a small voice.

"Probably in an abusive relationship . . . Emotionally broken and with major insecurities. You wouldn't be the beautiful woman I know today."

Daniel caresses my cheek and my heart breaks slightly. He's right. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if he hadn't prayed for me. I close my eyes, thanking God for the life I live.

"I forgot something," Daniel goes on and I open my eyes.

He motions for me to stay where I am as he springs off the bed and goes to his dresser. He rummages around the top drawer for bit, and then faces me with his hands behind his back. He's grinning as he walks towards me.

"What do you got there?" I ask, trying to be coy.

"Just a rock for my lady," he replies, shrugging.

"A rock? Daniel, what would I do with a rock?"

He kneels next to the bed and motions for me to scoot closer. Which I do and he settles between my legs with his elbows resting on my thighs. He dangles a small jewelry bag from his finger.

"Open it," Daniel whispers with a spark in his eyes.

I take the bag and press my fingers against it, trying to feel whatever is inside. And I do feel what is inside.

"You did forget something," I say, playfully shoving Daniel's shoulder before pulling the drawstring open.

A ring falls into my palm. A beautiful, single diamond on a silver band. Daniel knows me so well. He knows exactly what I am like.

"It's beautiful," I whisper, turning the ring over in my fingers while admiring it.

Daniel takes the ring and my left hand, sliding it over my finger. It's a bit loose, but my fingers have always been rather thin. Any rings I wear have always been on my middle fingers and thumbs.

"I can take it to get resized," he says, examining my finger while twisting the ring. "I don't want it falling off and getting lost. Might give other guys the idea that you're single."

"Definitely don't want people hitting on your fiancée," I giggle as Daniel kisses me.

"No, I definitely don't."

F