Having no idea what he’s talking about, I scoot up in bed. He hops off and disappears into the walk-in closet.
When he returns, my eyes fix on his palm, where a velvet box rests.
My heartbeat picks up, threatening to burst out of my chest. I palm it to calm the erratic beats, urging the organ to stay in place. I need my heart so I can love him for as long as possible.
Tears blur my vision as he comes to my side and goes down on one knee, seeking my eyes.
I cup my mouth, but a choked sound escapes. “Oh my God.”
He shakes his head at me, groaning. “Still giving him all the credit.”
I giggle, overwhelmed in the best way possible. I ride a wave of emotions that takes me so high, I just need to reach out my hand and touch the sky.
“Sorry, baby. You’re right. It’s all you.”
“Better.” He smirks. “And I fucking love when you call me that.”
Smiling like the enamored woman I am, he clears his throat. “I’ve loved you all my life. Have probably wanted you for longer than I should have, or realized that my feelings changed over time. I’ve never had brotherly feelings for you. You were the little girl I had to protect, the teenager I wanted to spoil, and the woman I needed to make mine or lose my sanity. My life, my heart, my every breath are interwoven with you. I am completely and undeniably yours. All I ask in return is for you to marry me, so I can keep loving you. You’re my reason, baby girl. My purpose, zhizn moya. My ultimate destination! Marry me.”
Every word tugs at my heartstrings and I don’t care about the lack of question. There isn’t a reason to ask when you’ve known all your life that there is only one answer.
“Yes, make me yours. Keep me and never let me go,” I breathe out.
His eyes gleam with pure emotion. “I won’t. I swear.”
He flicks the lid open, and my eyes bug out, not believing what’s in front of me. This is not the first time I’ve seen this elegant emerald-cut diamond set in a platinum band of glittering diamonds. The ring is the one from Paris and is stunning.
I am too shocked to form words as he slides the engagement ring onto my finger, turning me into his fiancée. The stones catch the sunrays, sparkling in vibrant colors, but not more than my heart.
“How?” I choke out, knowing for sure that what I am living is not a dream. It’s real. As real as my love for him.
“Even when you think I’m not watching you, I always am,” he says, his voice ringing with softness, but underlined by unapologetic possession.
“But this is an engagement ring,” I say, gobsmacked. “And we were just at the beginning.”
He shakes his head, his features drawn in solemnity. “No, we were at the end of pretending. There was no going back after you broke my will so proficiently.”
I jump into his arms, and he catches me with ease. Holding me to his chest, he kisses me with such fervor that a rush of dizziness rolls over me.
“No more regrets?” I ask breathlessly.
“Not a single one,” he says, tone dipped in conviction.
“Can’t wait to become your wife.”
“All I care about is that it’s as soon as possible, but you still get your dream wedding.”
While I appreciate his thoughtfulness, I don’t care about anything other than walking down the aisle to him and calling him my husband.
A mix of excitement and impatience grips me. I want to tell my mother, Calla, and even my brother. But then I remember, and my delight threatens to waver.
As if he can read my mind, he grips my chin. “No. Just happy thoughts.”
“Really?” I giggle. “You think you can control even my thoughts?”
He raises a brow, determination casting over his features. “If they don’t make you happy, I’ll definitely try.”
I shake my head at him, beaming. “You’re lucky I love you.”
