‘Not nearly enough.’ His mouth catches mine again. ‘Did I tell you that you look sensational tonight?’ Hot breath trails over my shoulder again as he resumes those tiny infuriatingly short kisses.
It’s an effort to form a coherent sentence. ‘You might have mentioned something along those lines.’
The sensual assault on my skin continues. ‘Did I tell you that I love you?’
My head rolls back, allowing him easier access to the sensitive skin of my neck, though I feel the heat of too many eyes scorching my skin, I’m utterly oblivious to who’s witnessing this practically pornographic PDA, so thoroughly engrossed in the moment. ‘If you did, I’d like to hear it again.’
With the sudden quiet of the band, the crowd begin to glance around. We’re definitely attracting a significant amount of attention. From the glint in Ryan’s eyes, he’s enjoying every second of it. With my palms against his pecs, I push him away without much enthusiasm.
‘We should probably save this for later.’ It kills me to say it. We still have so much making up to do.
Hooded eyes smoulder as he shoots a crooked grin before dropping to crouch on one knee. Gasps fill the air around us. The biggest burst stems from my own open mouth.
‘Sasha Sexton, I’ve loved you from the second I laid eyes on you. Will you do me the incredible honour of becoming my wife?’ His hand reaches into his trouser pocket from which he produces a ruby coloured velvet box.
I don’t wait for him to open it before I give him my answer. ‘Yes. A million times over!’
The same words fall from our lips simultaneously. ‘It’s always been you.’ Mouths crash and tongues clash as soft hands locate mine, slipping cold metal onto the fourth finger of my left hand.
The gathering crowd erupts with applause, stomping loud enough to bring down the marquee. Ryan’s joyous laughter rattles through his chest, breathing life back into my shell-shocked body. From my periphery I notice Miriam capturing the moment with her industrial-sized lens. Never thought I’d be grateful to see the woman but this moment is so momentous, it’s only right it’s documented for the world to see.
This man has given me everything. Saved my castle. Saved me from myself, ensured justice for my family even though it cost him his own, and still he keeps on giving.
The least I can do is give him something back.
Reluctantly breaking away, I glance down at the exquisite colossal diamond sparkling up at me. Around us words of congratulations flood from every direction. Hugs, kisses, back slaps and everything in between follow.
Chloe envelops me in a heartfelt hug, squeezing the air clean out of my lungs. ‘I’d better be bridesmaid.’
‘It goes without saying.’
‘Maybe your new friend Evangeline will gift me a dress as gorgeous as this one.’ Her hand slides over the material of my skirt. Clearly she hasn’t been snooping amongst the presents or she’d already know I bought her one. Another reason to look forward to Christmas morning.
‘Seriously, sis, I’m absolutely delighted for you. Nobody deserves it more than you do.’ She beams at me.
‘And we already know, I’m the best man.’ Jayden’s chest puffs in mock pride.
‘Huh.’ Chloe scowls as Ryan’s bellowing laughter echoes around us.
Aunty Mags squeezes her way through the jostling crowd. Grabbing her hand, I guide her through to our intimate circle, closely monitored by Ryan’s security, which has doubled in the past three minutes.
‘Sasha, I am so damn proud of you, girl.’ She kisses both of my cheeks, then squeezes them as if I’m a baby.
A cold bony hand takes mine and it takes me a minute to locate the attached body amongst the crowd. Evelyn’s grimace glares back at me before curling into a thin lipped smile I never dreamed she was capable of. ‘Congratulations, Sasha. I know we’ve had our differences at times but I’m certain your dad is watching over you, glowing with pride.’
If I wondered before if this entire evening was a dream, Evelyn practically confirmed it. Not a million years would I ever have expected congratulations AND a smile from the aunt who could give Cruella a run for her money.
‘Thank you. That means a lot.’ I squeeze her cold hand, trying to inject some warmth into it.
Ryan’s hands gently grip my shoulders, commanding my attention. ‘Sasha, baby, I have to go. But as you’ve seen with certainty, I will be back.’
‘Actually, I’m coming with you.’
‘To introduce your fiancé onto the stage,’ he teases.
‘No, to perform with you.’
His eyes light up like it’s Christmas.
