“The next visit,” I murmured. “I like the sound of that.”
“Will you take me to meet your family?” Tae asked hesitantly.
“Of course, you're going to meet my family! We already talked about this, remember? My parents are going to love you. Dad will probably interrogate you for a bit, but then he'll be thrilled.”
“You think so?”
“Why wouldn't he be?”
“Because I've changed you in a very physical way.” He stroked a finger over my cheekbone. “You don't think they'll be upset to see you so altered?”
“I think they'll be happy that I'm happy,” I said confidently. “They might have some concerns, as I did, but it's too late now, and they're very practical people. They'll accept it and make the most of it.”
“Good,” he said in relief. “I was worried I'd have another fight on my hands.”
“If you did, you wouldn't be fighting alone,” I said softly.
“Even against your parents?” Tae asked in surprise.
“When it concerns us? Yes, even against my parents. Now, if it were about something that could hurt them, it would be another story. But otherwise, I'll have your back, Tae. Always.”
“And I will have yours, mate,” he said firmly as he took my hand. “I would never do anything to endanger your family. I will protect them with you because they are important to you, and you are the most important person in my life. I never want you to doubt that. I never want you to worry about your place in my life and my heart.”
“This is sounding serious,” I murmured as I turned to face him more fully. “Tae, we're going to make it through the war.”
“I believe that too; I must believe it or I won't be able to take you back there. You are too important to me now. I'd forsake them all to see you safe.”
“Holy shit,” I whispered. I moved to kiss him, but he squeezed my hand and leaned back.
“I'm not done, sweetheart.”
“All right,” I sat back warily.
“I can't go back without at least asking you to be mine.”
“What are you talking about? I am yours. I thought I was pretty damn clear about that.”
Tae grinned and glanced to the side. I followed his gaze to see a flower sprouting from the earth beside the blanket. It grew in seconds and when it unfurled its petals to the winter sun, it revealed a gold ring lying in its fluffy stamens.
“What the fuck?” I whispered in wonder.
“Shane, you're my gift from the Goddess, the greatest love of my life, and I never want to be apart from you. Will you marry me?”
I looked from Taeven to the flower ring and back. “How did you do that?”
Tae's smile went shaky. “I slipped it into the ground with a seed while I was laying out the blanket.”
“Amazing.” I gaped at the flower. Among its vibrant petals—a shade of red to match the Falcon Soul—the gold band gleamed, showing off an intricate carving of falcons in flight. Two falcons, to be precise.
“Shane?” Taeven's voice took on a note of anxiety.
I blinked. “Oh!” My breath caught. “Fuck, this is really happening.”
“Yes.” Tae chuckled. “This is real. I am real, and I'm waiting for your answer.”
“My answer?” I gaped at him. “Are you fucking kidding me? It's yes. Of course, it's yes. It's yesforever.” I snatched him to me and kissed him thoroughly.
After we finally eased away from each other, Taeven grinned brilliantly and plucked the ring from the flower. “We don't have time for a ceremony today or I'd marry you before we left. But know that in my heart, this is our wedding.”
