“Held on when the world told us to let go,” he said.
“Loved each other flat out,” I breathed.
“No brakes.”
“No fear.”
“We were forged in our close contact.”
My hand shook in his. “And we started in overdrive.”
I could feel his grin, his joy, in the air, radiating through the stone and into my skin. It made me smile to myself and stand a little taller.
“I kissed you one time,” he admitted softly. “And you ruined me for anything less.”
“You ran to me in Monaco,” I whispered. “And made me feel it everywhere.”
“I have never stopped feeling you.”
“I haven’t either.”
“Racing 101, mo chridhe. I committed to my line, Auri. That’s my promise.”
“And I promise mine is you, Cal,” I said, voice trembling. “It’s always been you.”
“Green?”
Mon Dieu. He was checking in again. Making sure I was one-hundred percent ready, no lingering doubts or fears.
“Ouais, mari. Green,” I said. “Emerald. Forest. Racing light.”
“Good.” He exhaled in relief. “When they say my name, I’ll turn. And that’ll be the last first look I ever want.”
I couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled out of me. “Well, Mr. Fraser, I can say your bride is quite satisfied with how the first touch went,” I teased.
He hummed a deep, satisfied sound. “Ah yes, and I’ve made you a true blushing bride. Yet another tradition honored. Can’t wait for them to guess what gave you the glow that I’m certain is written all over you right now.”
“Pretty sure the tradition isn’t to…” I trailed off, still flustered, then settled on, “Doigter-fuckéher before the processional.”
He barked out a laugh that echoed off the stone. “That’s not a fucking word, Auri.”
“It is now.”
“You could just say ‘finger fuck’ next time.”
“Mmm, and miss out on the way you laugh when I make up fake French? Not a chance.”
“Touché.”
There was a beat of warm silence. The breeze rustled the olive branches above, and I knew that this was it.
“Scale?”
“Nine. Eleven once it’s official.”
He lifted our hands again and pressed a gentle kiss to the inside of my wrist. “Are ye ready to marry me now?” he murmured, thumb brushing over my pulse point.
My whole soul wrapped around his voice.
