CHAPTER 57

Gabe had always been a young dreamer who carried his love for Emily with him. From the time they were at school, they shared complicit glances and smiles that transcended the ordinary. The certainty that he would be the great love of his life grew as the years went by, and when he graduated. Gabe felt it was time to make his love eternal.

After earning his diploma at Hope Valle School, Gabe faced challenges in entering the job market. Uncertainties and closed doors didn't discourage him; on the contrary, they served as fuel for his determination. With perseverance, he found a unique opportunity: to work for a prestigious German company. The decision to move beyond the borders of Hope Valle was not an easy one, as he would have to leave his family and the worst part was that he would have to move away from Emily... but he had a purpose in mind

He sat down and talked to Emily. If she said no, he would stay in Hope Valle... but he was in for a surprise when the young woman looked him in the eye and with a beautiful smile said:

- Go; graduate and work hard... I know you'll make it, and I'll be cheering and praying for you every day. I'll be here waiting for you with open arms.

For Gabe, that gesture was the deepest act of love anyone could give him.

The physical distance didn't diminish the love between them. On the contrary, it strengthened it.

The letters they exchanged and the frequent calls were the bonds that held them together.

While Gabe immersed himself in the corporate world, he kept Emily updated on his achievements and challenges. At first it was one letter a month, but Emily soon noticed that she was hearing more from him every month, and that it was up to two or three letters a week. They had enough to talk about, and what's more. Gabe began to ask her opinion on various things.

According to Gabe, every step he took in his career was a step towards a stable life and the future they dreamed of together.

For Gabe, the lonely nights in an Alaskan land were compensated by the vision of the future he was building... Gabe understood that his dedication was not only for himself, but also for Emily and his entire family. He had bought the house for his widowed mother, where she was now living with her siblings, and there was still more planned. He had gotten the semi-detached house next to where Lee and Rose lived and hoped that Emily would agree to his plan.

They missed each other terribly, but the promise of a happy reunion guided their days.

Emily, meanwhile, was facing her battles in Hope Valle. The wait wasn't easy, but she believed in the love she shared with Gabe. While he worked tirelessly to create a solid foundation for their future, Emily found strength in their mutual trust.

And so, over the course of almost three years, their story unfolded through love letters, challenges overcome and the promise of a shared future.

The love that united them was the beacon that guided Gabe, not just in his career, but in building the foundation for a stable and fulfilling life with the woman he loved.

It was a quiet day in Hope Valle, the setting sun painting the sky in warm tones.

Emily, immersed in her own daily tasks, had no idea that her world was about to be turned upside down in a surprising way.

While Emily was organizing books in the local library, where she had been working since graduating after her teacher, Elizabeth, noticed her great interest in books and appointed her to the position... and there she was in her first job as a librarian. She picked up the books one by one and dusted them off, admiring the book covers, but she didn't know that someone was secretly watching her from afar with a pounding heart, anxiety mixed with excitement.

The wait was worth it and he knew it... with silent steps. Gabe sneaked closer, his breathing ragged with emotion.

- Emily! He whispered, his voice sounding as soft as a breeze.

She turned...

Surprise flitted across her face, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and longing. In an instant, time seemed to freeze.

- I can't believe it... Gabe? Emily stammered;

Her eyes wide with disbelief.

Gabe smiled, a smile that carried with it all the days of waiting, every letter written and every moment of longing.

Without saying a word. Gabe wrapped his arms around her, as if he were holding on to every day they had spent apart. The hug was tight, full of emotions that had been held in for so long. Emily felt enveloped by a comforting warmth, as if she were daydreaming.

- I missed you so much. Gabe... Emily confessed, tears starting to well up in her eyes. Gabe, holding her tenderly, whispered words of comfort, promising that distance would no longer separate them.

- I've come to stay, my love... he said, pulling her close enough to look into her eyes.

- And I have something important for you. Gabe gently removed a small box from his pocket, revealing a ring with a small sparkler.

Emily's eyes widened again, now at a different surprise.

Kneeling in front of her. Gabe carefully took Emily's hand.

- Emily! From the first moment we met, when I moved to town; I knew you were the person I wanted by my side for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?

Emily's heart raced and tears streamed down her cheeks.

- Yes, Gabe, yes! She could barely pronounce the words, but Gabe understood.

With a smile that reflected the joy of a dream come true, sealing not just a proposal, but the promise of a shared future.

The sunset witnessed this magical moment in which love, longing and determination culminated in a reunion that transcended Gabe's expectations.

Gabe and Emily, now engaged, were beginning new plans for their lives, where distance was just a distant memory, replaced by the certainty of a love that had stood the test of time.