The entire apartment had been transformed. Candles flickered on every surface. Vases filled with beautiful red roses were scattered throughout.
On the floor was a trail of matching petals leading from where she stood, down the length of the hallway, and across the bedroom’s threshold.
Oh, Eric.
Riley sat her purse and keys down onto the small table next to the door. Securing the lock behind her, she walked on trembling legs, following the trail to its final destination.
She stepped into her bedroom, tears pooling in her eyes when she saw him.
Dressed in a black tuxedo that stretched over his cut form, the gorgeous man looked like every woman’s wildest dreams come true.
He also looked more nervous than she’d ever seen him.
A smile tugged at her lips. “What’s all this?”
“Thought I’d surprise you.” His deep voice reached inside and grabbed hold of her heart.
“Mission accomplished.” She set that smile free.
“Figured it was only fair.” Eric stepped toward her. “Since you surprised the hell out of me.”
“I did?” Her mind raced to understand what he was talking about. But she had no idea.
“The first time I saw you.” He took another step. “Your beauty struck me in ways I’d never felt before. The first time we argued over a case...” Another step. “Your love for the law and compassion for your victims inspired me. And the first time we kissed...” He stopped directly in front of her. “You showed me what true passion was.”
He knelt to one knee. He pulled out a tiny red box. The crazy, incredible manopenedthat box, revealing the most beautiful diamond ring she’d ever seen.
“Eric...”
“I’ve lived knowing what it feels like to lose you. I’ve experience the pain and sorrow the thought of having to livewithoutyou caused. But more importantly, I’ve lived knowing what it feels like to love you, and to have you love me back.”
Tears flowed from her eyes. Emotion rendered her speechless.
“That’s the life I want from now on.” Eric pulled out the ring and lifted her left hand. “But only if I can share it with you.”
Oh, my god.
“I love you, Riley Catherine York. More than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything. And I promise to keep loving you until I draw my very last breath.” He slid the ring onto her finger and asked, “Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” She gave him a wide, watery smile. “A million times, yes!”
Riley didn’t wait for him to stand up. She threw her arms around his neck and tackled him.
Eric laughed the most wonderful laugh, and as much as she loved the way he looked in that tux, she loved what was underneath even more.
Being careful of her tattoo—which she showed him and he loved—Riley took him right there, in the middle of their bedroom floor.
Hours later, after they were both fully sated and Eric was asleep in her arms, Riley stared at the diamond on her finger and thought about how lucky she was.
She had no idea why God had blessed her with this man, but she wasn’t going to waste time questioning His plan.
Instead, she was going to live each and every day to its fullest, cherishing her soon-to-be husband and enjoying the life they were about to build. Together.
Riley settled against her fiancé’s chest and smiled. He was a warrior. A protector.
And every single part of him belonged to her.
****
