Later that afternoon, after Joelle had excitedly updated the rest of the hospital staff on the big news and Malachi had settled into a nap, Isabella found a quiet moment to herself. She sat down in a small lounge area just outside the hospital room, taking a deep breath as she fumbled for her phone.

She hadn't had a chance to talk to Naomi about the proposal yet, and there was no better time than now to share the news with her best friend. She smiled to herself as she tapped on Naomi's contact, and before long, Naomi's face appeared on the screen, her smile wide as she greeted Isabella.

"Hey, Isa! How's everything going? How's Malachi?" Naomi asked, her eyes scanning Isabella's face.

Isabella sighed, her expression softening. "He's doing better today, Naomi. It's a slow but steady process."

"I'm glad to hear that," Naomi replied, her tone filled with concern but also relief. "And you, how are you holding up? You look good, but you've been through a lot lately."

Isabella smiled faintly, feeling a weight lift just by hearing Naomi's voice. She didn't realize how much she needed this simple conversation until now. "I'm doing better, actually. Roman and I, we... we took a big step last night."

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? A big step?"

Instead of responding with words, Isabella held up her hand to the screen. She didn't need to say anything. The soft, shimmering promise ring - now an engagement ring - sat proudly on her finger.

Naomi's eyes widened in surprise, and her jaw dropped slightly. "Wait... Is that-" she paused, a hand flying to her mouth. "Is that a ring? Are you...?"

Isabella nodded, her smile growing wider as she saw Naomi's reaction. "Yes. Roman proposed last night. I'm going to marry him, Naomi."

Naomi's expression went from shock to pure joy in an instant. "Oh my god, Isa! I'm so happy for you!" She couldn't help but let out a delighted laugh. "I mean, I knew it was coming, but this is still so exciting! You two- you're really doing this!"

"I know," Isabella said, her voice filled with emotion as she held up her hand again. "I couldn't be happier. I feel like everything is finally falling into place."

Naomi's eyes softened, her voice turning more serious but still filled with warmth. "You deserve this, Isa. After everything you've been through, this is exactly what you need. You and Roman together