I pick up the coiled silver chain and dangle the necklace between us.
“Is that…?” I study the charm.
“A heartbeat. Well, a replica of my heartbeat from the monitor. When I was in the hospital.”
“How…?”
He shrugs. “I was bored and took a video of it one day.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” he admits. “Anyway, it’s been sitting on my phone for ages, and I wanted to make you something special. Something one of a kind. And I came across this website that made these necklaces. I thought it was perfect.” Reese clasps the chain around my neck without needing me to turn around. I touch the diamond squiggles, my emotions teeming.
“It’s definitely one of a kind.”
“Just like you.” He kisses me softly. “Every beat of my heart belongs to you. And now, the whole world knows it, too.” He presses his finger on the necklace.
Jesus, this man. He knows just how to destroy me.
“I love it. Thank you.” My response is breathy, laced with adoration.
“You’re welcome.” He drops another kiss on my lips. “Do you want to know what’s in my other hand?”
“I don’t know. Do I?” I ask suspiciously.
“Open it and find out the answer to your own question.” He places his closed fist directly in front of me. I have to pry his fingers open, and when I finally do, I gasp.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yup.” He raises my left hand and the ring at the same time. “I asked you to marry me, and you said yes. I’m making good on our agreement.” He slips the enormous diamond ring on my finger, and I petrify. I stare at the square stone in awe. It’s absolutely stunning and feels surprisingly perfect. I don’t mean by the way that it fits either—I mean by the emotion it evokes. A sense of harmony and fulfillment. Completion.
It’s so much, so fast.
“Think I need more champagne.” I laugh, overwhelmed.
“So let’s steal a bottle and go back to our room.” He slides his hand up my thigh dragging the hem of my dress with it. “I’ve been dying to get at you all night. Those heels are driving me crazy.”
“Reese.” I grab his wrist as he grabs my ass. I don’t want him giving the entire party a show. “About that. How do you think you say condom in Spanish?”
“Condom?” He curls his lip. “Since when do we use condoms?”
“Since I took my last birth control pill before we left and realized I didn’t have another pack.”
I was in such a rush and such an emotional wreck when I packed, the last thing on my mind was refilling my prescription.
Reese ponders our predicament thoroughly. “Fuck it. We get pregnant, we get pregnant. I don’t have an issue with it.”
“Excuse me?” My jaw drops.
“Kayla, we’re getting married. We’re bound to have children eventually. What’s the difference if it’s sooner rather than later? I was thinking we could get married next month while we’re in France. Le Mans is a spectacular city. It would be unforgettable.”
“Next month?” I nearly fall over. “Don’t you think that’s moving a little fast?”
Reese’s face lights up with a cocky smile. “Baby, don’t you know by now? I do everything fast. Well…,” he backpedals. “Almost everything.”
“I think I definitely need more champagne.” I swallow the rest of my glass in one gulp.
“Don’t stress, baby.” Reese runs his hands over my hips. “What’s that saying? All we need is love?”
