“Let me finish,” he murmured, his voice as gentle as his touch. “Yes, Wolf insisted I do something about the scandal. But do you know what he actually said to me? He said, ‘For God’s sake, Rockwell, stop being such a coward and marry the woman you love before she comes to her senses and realizes she could do better.’”
A laugh bubbled up through her tears like sunshine through rain. “He did not.”
“He did. And he was right.” Rockwell’s chest rose with a deep breath, his words ringing with truth through the now breathless room. “I’ve been a coward, Farah. I’ve been so afraid of losing my freedom, of risking my heart again, that I almost lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
He reached up, his thumb catching a tear as it traced down her cheek. “When I thought you’d run away, I realized something. My greatest adventure isn’t exploring distant lands or making scientific discoveries. It’s loving you. It’s building a life with you. It’s waking up every morning knowing that I get to spend another day making you smile.”
More tears fell as Farah’s heart swelled with hope. “Do you really mean that?”
“With all my heart.” His own eyes were suspiciously bright now. “I love everything about you, Farah. I love your brilliant mind and your gentle heart. I love how you challenge me to be better, how you see the best in everyone. I love that you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even when it means defying convention.”
His smile softened with tender memories, eyes dancing with mischief. “I love how you tried on my Hessian boot and danced around my bedroom, showing me that the timid mouse everyone thought you were had a passionate heart underneath. I love how that moment revealed the real you—brave and playful and utterly enchanting. I love that you accidentally stowed away on my ship and turned my entire world upside down in the best possible way.”
Someone in the audience—probably Valora—let out a dreamy sigh that echoed through the hushed room.
“I love that you’re willing to help me build something new with the breeding program.” Rockwell’s voice grew thick withemotion. “That you immediately started thinking of ways to improve the community with schools and projects? You don’t just share my dreams—you make them bigger, better, more meaningful than I ever imagined.”
With trembling fingers, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Farah’s breath caught in her throat as he sank to one knee before her.
“I got the stone in this ring on one of my trips. The color captured my heart because it reminds me of your sparkling eyes.”
Farah’s hand fluttered like a nervous bird as she reached out to touch the ring with an enormous emerald in the middle, surrounded by diamonds. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“Not half as beautiful as you.” Rockwell’s voice rang with conviction. “I know I’ve given you reason to doubt me. But I swear to you, on everything I hold dear, that I love you. Wholly, completely, with every fiber of my being. You’ve awakened parts of my soul I never knew existed. You challenge me, you inspire me, you make me want to be a better man.”
He drew in a shaky breath, his eyes never leaving hers. “I want to build a life with you. A family. I want to see your smile first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I want to watch our children inherit your quick mind and gentle heart. I want to grow old debating politics and literature by the fire.”
Tears spilled down Farah’s cheeks. “Rockwell…”
“I’m asking you to give me a chance to fulfil your dreams…” His voice roughened with emotion. “No, I’m asking you to let me be a part of them. To let me support you, encourage you, stand by your side as you take on the world. No more hiding in shadows, my love. I’ve seen you shake off that mantle and grow into this amazingly strong woman. My brilliant, fearless Farah.”
The ring caught fire in the morning light as he held it up. “So, what do you say? Will you marry me? Not out of duty orobligation, not to stave off the scandal, but because we love each other and want to face life’s adventures together?”
Farah’s lips trembled as she looked down at him. “You really mean it? All of it?”
“Every word,” he vowed, his voice rough with naked honesty. “I love you, Farah. More than I ever thought possible.”
“Why do you suddenly know you love me?”
“Because when I thought I’d lost you, the world lost all its color. Only love can hurt like this. Please marry me and end my suffering.”
For a long moment, she simply stared at him, searching his eyes. Then, slowly, a radiant smile spread across her face. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”
Joy exploded in Rockwell’s chest. He slipped the ring onto her finger, then surged to his feet, pulling Farah into his arms. Her laughter rang like silver bells as he spun her in a circle.
When he set her down, Farah’s eyes shone with happiness. “I love you too, you know,” she said softly. “So very much.”
Rockwell’s heart soared to impossible heights. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers. “I promise you, Farah, every sunrise will bring fresh proof of my love for you.”
She smiled, her fingers threading through his silken hair. “I like the sound of that.”
Lucien gave a discreet cough. She turned on him. “You knew about this?” she demanded.
He shrugged, grinning. “Who do you think told Rockwell you were at Lady Courtney’s? And helped him plan this little surprise?”
“You’re supposed to be my friend!”
“I am your friend,” he replied. “That’s why I couldn’t let you settle for a marriage of convenience when true love was right in front of you.” His eyes drifted to where Courtney sat beamingat them, and his expression softened. “Sometimes we all need a little help to see what’s right in front of us.”
