The only way to make our dreams come true is if we do it together. Will you marry me, Meredith? Will you make my dream come true?
Digging her nails into her palms, she fought to keep her composure—a battle she lost rapidly. A rustle of movement and the sound of a throat clearing behind her pulled her attention away from the problem. She turned slowly. Sebastian stood in front of her, right in the middle of the lecture hall, then dropped to one knee. In his hand he held a velvet box, opened to reveal the chocolate diamond ring.
The tears she’d held back began to slide down her cheeks. “You wrote a math proposal…?”
He grinned. “All by myself. Well, mostly. I cheated and used your article on substitution theory.”
Titters of laughter escaped beyond him. The college students all leaned forward, more than half had their cell phones out. “We’re going to be online in minutes.”The whole world would know.
“That is my plan.” Sebastian remained exactly where he was, the ring extended toward her. “I want you, Meredith Amelia Blake, and only you.”
“Awww…” one young freshman called out.
“Say yes!” another shouted. In seconds, the others picked up the chant.
He’d put himself out, right there for everyone to see. He’d made himself vulnerable. For her. Swiping away one of her tears, she gave the rowdy students a stern look and they went silent. Glancing back down at Bastian, she went soft everywhere. She wanted to tease him, to give him a little bit of a difficult time, maybe even make him sweat, yet there was no way she could.
Because, beyond everything else, she wanted to hold onto him and never let him go. “Yes,” she said and it came out a very rough whisper.
Sebastian’s eyes twinkled and his brows climbed. “I’m sorry, I don’t think they heard you in the back row.”
“No, we didn’t!” came the helpful shout.
Meredith started to laugh. “Yes!”
He slid the ring on her finger then scooped her up and turned them sideways. “Everyone have a good angle?” he asked. A dozen camera flashes blinded her, so she closed her eyes. Then Sebastian kissed her, and the whole world slipped away.
The next fewdays whizzed by at a dizzying pace, but Sebastian never left her side—except for during exams when his presence proved far too distracting for her students. By the time they were safely aboard the plane for Los Angeles, she still couldn’t stop touching the ring on her finger.
“You’ll be happy to know O’Connor will be back in Boston before the holidays. He’s been given clearance to fly.” Sebastian told her as she all but fell into the seat next to him.
“I’m glad.” She stroked her thumb over the white gold band. “Do you think your brother will like me?”
“Of course he will.” Sebastian covered her hand with his and interlocked their fingers. “He’s been rather insistent all week that I bring you to see him immediately.”
“Do you really have to ask his permission to marry?” It worried her.What if, after everything, he says no?
Sebastian didn’t appear to share her concern. “It’s a formality, Meredith, and only a formality. I will present you to Armand, ask him for permission to marry you, then he will say yes…”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“He will. Don’t worry.”
Anxiety tied her stomach in knots, and she gripped him tighter. “But what if he doesn’t? We made such a scene and…”
Sebastian massaged her nape. “He will welcome you to the family. I think there is even a good chance he’ll like you even better than he likes me. It’s only a formality at this stage, since I told him I was marrying you with or without his approval.”
Laughing, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I don’t want you to ever have to choose between your family and me.”
“I already have. They are all in a better place now, secure. We’ve made it as safe as it will ever be.” He pulled their joined hands up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Now I can be truly selfish.” He slid a chocolate diamond bracelet around her wrist.
“Sebastian,” she tried to protest.
“Uh-uh.” He shook his head. “I know you told me you’re not a draped in diamonds kind of woman, but you are mine. It’s my privilege to spoil you with gifts. These belong on your gorgeous skin…”
She sighed, but couldn’t help petting the bracelet. She’d taken to wearing the necklace, though it had nothing to do with the financial value and everything to do with the man who gave it to her. “Let me guess? You ordered a tiara made out of these?”
His playful grin warmed her. “I can. Would you like a matching tiara?”
