“I need to go. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve been doing for me. I know you don’t think so, but you’re an amazing man.”
“Why does this sound like you’re saying goodbye, Raindrop?”
She nibbles her bottom lip, and I pull it away from between her teeth. No one hurts my baby but me. “I’m sorry, Ashbear.” She wipes it away with her free hand and she stares into her mug.
It gives me hope that she’s feeling even half as much as I am. Leaning forward, I place a gentle kiss on her forehead, inhaling her warmth and the scent of spring rain that originally helped draw me to her. Tipping up her chin with my index finger, I meet her watery gaze with my determined one.
“You’re mine, Emma. I don’t want you to leave.”
“Oh, Ash, I don’t know what to do. I need to go, but I don’t want to, either.”
“Then marry me. Come back after you defend your dissertation, spend the rest of your life with me here, on the mountain.”
Her jaw drops as more tears gather in her eyes. “You want to get married? We’ve only known each other a couple of weeks…”
“Yes. I would have married you on the second day. I love you, Raindrop. You’re my heart, my future, my dreams, my baby, my submissive, my wife, and the mother of our future children. I’ll get down on one knee if it means you’ll say yes.”
I pull the ring box from my pocket, opening the lid to reveal the ring—a two-carat oval-cut diamond circled by blue-green tourmalines. They exactly match the color of her eyes. I was lucky to still have a connection with a jeweler who could create it for me on such short notice. Being a billionaire comes in handy sometimes, even though I rarely use my money.
Emma’s gaze jumps from my face to the ring in my hand. I want to grab her hand and shove it onto her finger, then drag her to Maple Creek and get married. But I won’t be the troglodyte Andrew says I am—at least, not for this.
“Em? Are you going to answer? Do I need to get down on my knees and beg? I will. I’d do anything for you.”
Even as tears slide down her cheeks unchecked, her smile is radiant. “Yes, Ash, I’ll marry you. You’re my heart, my future, my dream come true, every grumpy, dominant part of you. I’ll be your wife.”
“Thank God.” I exhale all the breath I’ve been holding. No wonder I feel lightheaded. Once I’ve taken the mug from her hand, I pull her into my arms. I pour every emotion into that kiss. My lips consume hers, our tongues tangling, as I possess her mouth. When I finally release her, we’re both struggling to breathe. “We need to hurry. I’ll call Adam and have him send Rebekah over to help you get ready. Then we’ll leave.”
“What? Rebekah? What are you talking about?” She’s confused, the poor thing.
“You said yes, so we’re getting married—now.”
“Wait? Now? Like right now? How is that even possible?”
Chuckling, I shake my head at her. “Do you think I’d let you leave without making sure you’re tied to me?”
“You’re crazy, Ashbear.”
“Crazy for you, yes. But it doesn’t change anything. I ordered a dress for you. It’s waiting in Adam’s cabin. I just have to text him to bring it over. Then we’ll head down to Maple Creek. It’s all arranged.”
“You’re serious?”
“I am. I just needed you to say, ‘yes.’”
“But Asher, I’m leaving tomorrow…”
Using my Dominant voice, I utter my demand, “And you’ll return the day after. Go jump in the shower, baby. I’ll text everyone to get ready.”
She’s in shock, hopefully in a good way, but she climbs out of bed and heads for the bathroom. As soon as I hear the water turn on, I send a text to our group chat.
Asher: She said yes! I need Rebekah here with the dress. And you assholes need to put on your wedding suits.
Andrew: Congrats, bro. But just so you know, I’m going to ask her if it is her decision when I see her.
Asher: No problem. I’m not worried.
Adam: I’ll bring Rebekah over shortly. We’ll get dressed first. Congrats Asher.
Aaric: Fuck yeah. Poor girl though.
