I choked on the tears once more. “It was the gift my father saved up to buy and the last one he gave me before he died. Thank you.”
His eyes warmed, and his features melted to a vulnerability only his love for me could touch. “Do you know the first thing I wanted to do when I saw you sitting on that floor, so miserable and uncertain?”
“Tell me.”
“I wanted to kiss...” He brushed his lips gently over one cheek. “...these tears away, vowing...” he did the same to the other cheek. “...that I’d never let you cry again. I want to see you smile, always, princess. Promise me.” Too overcome with emotion, I nodded. “You’re my perfect butterfly, Sia and I want you to fly, always. Promise?”
“Yes. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect man.”
“Will you still love me in ten years when I’m much older and not so perfect?”
Smiling, I palmed his cheek. “You’re perfect and I love you. And when you’re not perfect, I’ll love you even more.”
And as he captured my lips in a kiss that warmed my soul, I realized that what was destined to happen had happened. I had no control over it.
Rayden
THREE MONTHS AFTERChristmas Eve...
I stood at the door watching her, still in awe of her loveliness. As expected, the dress she wore was simple yet hardly detracted from her beauty. She didn’t need fancy things to bring out her charm or label who she was, and that’s what I loved about her. All she had to do was smile and the world smiled with her.
She turned and a small gasp snuck past her lips. The smile on her face wavered for just a beat before my lips widened and kept hers in place.
“Congratulations.”
“You came.” Her hand lifted to clasp her neck. A diamond solitaire caught the light and twinkled. Its simplicity fascinated me. Then again, I hadn’t expected anything lavish. That’s who she wasn’t.
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
She shook her head, her wide smile infectious. “I wasn’t sure?”
I pushed away from the door and moved closer to where she stood. “I’m wearing the tux you chose.” I held open the jacket for her to inspect. “Do I look good?”
“I like the haircut. It makes you look more mature.”
I grinned. I’d chopped off the locks the second I landed in Africa. I wanted a fresh start, and it began with a new look. “Should I take that as a compliment?”
