Dane grasps my fingers and directs them away from the ring.
“No. The first time your ring goes on your finger will be when you sayyesto me.”
“I already said yes,” I remind him.
He shakes his head, a disapproving but indulgent god. “This one isn’t good enough,” he declares, gesturing at the ring. “Something bigger. With diamonds.”
“I don’t need you to buy me an expensive ring to prove that I love you,” I say.
His jaw firms. “I want every man to know that you’re taken. This doesn’t look like an engagement ring.”
“So possessive.” I sigh, but it’s a happy jibe. “All right, what about that one?”
I indicate a large, oval emerald that’s surrounded by a halo of diamonds set in platinum. The price is insane, but I know better than to put up a fuss about the expense. Dane wants a clearlyvisible marker of our commitment to one another, and I won’t deny him.
I want it too.
I’m no longer worried that he’ll try to use his money to control me. He sees me as an equal, and he wants to provide a comfortable life for both of us. One day, I’ll contribute to our partnership, our home. Once we return to Charleston, I’ll devote all of my time to my art, and I’m determined to finally open a gallery.
My whole future is opening up before me, and I choose to share it with Dane.
56
DANE
I’m relieved that the street “performer” on the purple bike isn’t stationed beside the Minster this morning. Abigail seemed to find him amusing, but I don’t want anything garish to distract from the moment I’m about to share with her.
She’s practically glued to my side as we stroll toward the cathedral, and her face is upturned to drink in the imposing, ancient edifice with its intricate stone carvings.
I don’t care about the church; I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever seen, her porcelain complexion shining with ethereal light beneath the late morning sun. It illuminates her eyes, and they glow with otherworldly vibrancy. The soft, contented curve of her perfect lips makes me think about how she looks when she’s cuddled up with me in bed, and their rosy hue is offset by the amethyst curl I love so much.
This miracle of a woman loves me despite everything I’ve done to her.
She wants to marry me.
I’ll never be worthy of her, but I’m selfish enough to claim her anyway. The least I can do is give her the proposal she deserves.
I reach into my pocket to retrieve the jewelry box. It takes all my willpower to peel myself from her side so that I can take her hand in mine and drop to one knee before her.
Her lovely lips part on a soft gasp, and she turns to face me. Her eyes are alight with something between giddy excitement and wonder, and for a few long seconds, I simply stare up at her. I’m thoroughly under her spell, at a loss for words for the first time in my life.
I haven’t said anything when she extends her left hand. Her fingers tremble slightly as she offers herself to me, a silent promise of forever.
“Abigail.” Her name is a rasp, and I have to draw a breath so that I can speak clearly. “You’ve given my life meaning. I didn’t think I was capable of feeling this…” I swallow hard against the strange constriction of my throat. “You’ve made me feel alive for the first time in my life. I can’t live without you. I refuse to live without you. I know I’m not an easy man to love. I’ve wronged you in so many ways, but I plan to keep you anyway. Do me the honor of sharing the rest of your life with me.”
It's not a question.
But she answers with a soft, “Yes. I want to be with you, Dane. I love you, and I want to marry you.”
I take the emerald ring from the velvet box and slide it onto her slender finger, sealing her fate. It fits perfectly, securely. She’ll never take it off.
I lift her hand and press a reverent kiss over the green gemstone that marks her as mine. Now every man will clearly see my claim over her, and the ring is large enough that they’ll know it’s a warning.
No one touches what’s mine.
57
ABIGAIL
