Adrian took a small ring from his pocket. It was not enormous or built to impress a room full of wealthy guests — a simple round diamond on a slender band.

“Hannah Brooks, I can’t promise you a life without fear,” he said. “I’ve made too much history to make that promise honestly. But I can promise I will never again use fear to build our future.

I will show up. I will listen. I will tell Lucas about both women whose love gave him a life. And I will spend every day becoming worthy of the home you gave us.”

He held up the ring. “Will you marry me?”

Hannah looked around the hall. Dr. Bennett stood beside Theresa, both crying openly. Emilio pressed a handkerchief to his face while insisting to Rourke that dust had gotten in his eyes.

Bakery staff stood beside mothers who had already been helped by the foundation. Then Hannah looked at Lucas. He offered her the crushed piece of bread in his hand.