After receiving several kisses from the pup, she finally glanced at me, laughing from whatever goofy expression I had on my face.
“What? Are you feeling lonely?’ She moved toward me, throwing her arms around my neck.
“You’re a very bad girl to keep your master waiting.”
“Who said you’re my master? At this point, we’re just roommates.”
“Would a roommate bring you roses?”
She rolled her eyes and the feel of having her in my arms was more than any man should be able to ask for. I wasn’t a romantic, or that’s what I’d told myself over the years. But with my lost angel, everything seemed to be romantic.
Which was why I’d chosen tonight to make a bold statement. At least for me.
I pushed her away and as soon as I did, she planted her hands on her hips. “What is it?”
“You were given my grandmother’s blessing.”
Her eyes lit up as if she’d been given the role of a lifetime. When she clapped her hands together, I couldn’t believe it. She adored my family more than she did the man who loved her.
Hmmm…
“What did she say?”
“That I better not allow you to slip from my fingers or the spirits will eat me alive.”
“We wouldn’t want that. Would we?”
Zorro whimpered, his backside wiggling again as he looked up at me. I knew what he was thinking. Why was I dragging this out?
So I didn’t.
When I dropped onto one knee, Anastasia laughed.
Until I slid my hand into my pocket.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
Suddenly, I realized the door wasn’t shut. Within a few seconds, two people skidded to a stop in front of the door. Great. I had an audience.
“Well, you did remind me of how a marriage proposal was usually handled. So…”
Woof. Woof. Woof.
“I got it, Zorro. I really do,” I told him, shaking my head. Now four people were at the door, all gasping. “Miss Anastasia Scavullo, my sweet formally lost angel and the love of my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? To have and hold. To obey. To obey…” I couldn’t help but grin.
She tossed her head back and forth. Waiting.
Tick. Tock.
“For God’s sake, Anna. Answer the man,” one of the girls told her.
“Okay, fine. Yes, but on one condition,” Anastasia blurted out.
“Here we go. What’s the condition?” I cocked my head. This should be good.
“That we rescue another dog. Zorro needs a friend.”
Whether or not she was kidding didn’t matter. The look both she and Zorro gave me warmed my heart. I now understood why my three brothers were so damn happy.
