“That he’s giving us the decision shortly.”
“It’s yours, Ri, I know it.”
“You can’t know it for sure.” I sigh as he loops his arm around me, pulling me in closer. His fresh scent assaults my senses, and I rest my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes.
“He’d be a fool not to give it to you.” He kisses the top of my head.
“I like your optimism.” Snuggling farther into his warmth, I wrap my arm across his stomach, my body sagging into himas he tightens his hold. We stay silent, just the sounds of the early morning echoing and easing my nerves. “I’ve heard from Morgan. She says Nila is fine.” Morgan was recommended to us by the shelter as we needed someone to be with Nila because Leo has become shockingly attached to her in a short space of three days and told me under no circumstances would she be going into boarding while we weren’t home.
“Yeah, she sent me a video of her playing with that fluffy mouse on a stick I got her.” He smiles to himself and strokes his hand down my arm.
“You’re obsessed,” I tease.
“You didn’t hear her story; I was literally sobbing in the shelter when they explained what happened to her. She can have all the fluffy mice, ridiculously soft cat beds, and special cat treats. My girl’s been through enough, and now is her time to be a queen.”
“You’re going soft on me.”
He shrugs and tilts my chin up with his fingers. “I’m a lover not a fighter.”
“So true.” I pause, biting my lip as I trail my fingers along his chest. “Did she mention Bartholomew?”
“She said he was missing you, told me his leaves were a little droopy last night, so she played a voice note you sent and he perked right up.”
“Good, I miss that little guy.”
“Our babies are doing fine.” We both laugh, but my stomach drops, thinking about what a future with Leo by my side could look like. “So, you spoke with Hunter?”
“I did.”
“What did he say?”
“That I wasn’t to hurt you.”
“I have to agree with him.” He pinches my side causing me to yelp. “Hey, he said don’t hurt me.”
“I’d never do that,” he whispers, his hot breath tickling my skin. “Not unless you ask me to.” A full-body shiver racks through me when he nips my ear lobe. “You okay, baby?”
“I love it when you call me that.” Reaching up, I cup his jaw.
Turning his face, he kisses my palm. “I can’t stop thinking about you.” His steel-gray eyes lock on mine and he clasps my hand in his. “And how I need to make things up to you.”
“What do you mean? You don’t need to make anything up to me.” I brush my thumbs across his, and he turns to hold both my hands in his, then he drops his head and slowly shakes it.
“But I do. I need to be completely honest with you. You’re special to me, Ri—so fucking special.” Swallowing, he pins me with a stare so intense my heart pounds wildly against my rib cage. “I know I didn’t do this the right way the first time. I’ve done this all backward. But I want to make it right. You, Ria Stone, deserve the world, and I want to be the one to give it to you. If you will let me.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a small black velvet box, slowly flipping open the lid, and the pounding in my chest stutters to a stop. The ring that is settled in the black silk cushion sparkles and shines in the dark night.
“Leo, is that…?” I gasp and clutch my chest as Leo nods.
“Dad gave it to me after Mom passed. He wears her wedding ring around his neck, but he told me to keep hold of this.” Surrounded by tiny diamonds, a huge, brilliant solitaire diamond is encased in a stunning claw setting, that I vividly remember being on Diana Brent’s delicate finger. My most precious memories of her growing up are of her infectious smile and how she managed to harbor the attention of everyone in the room. She and my mom were the real force behind Bright. Both Dad and Joseph Brent agree that without their wives, they wouldn’t be where they are now. Watching both formidable women command a room, I knew at an early age that I wanted to emulate their success and their aura, but Diana Brent wascruelly taken from the world. Leo was only twelve at the time, and I know Joesph has never gotten over her death.
“But why give it to me?”
“He told me to give it to the woman who turns my world upside down, the woman who is constantly on my mind, the woman who doesn’t ask for my attention but the one who has all of it even when she isn’t near me.” My breath catches in my throat as he continues. “I’ve always felt differently around you so I’m starting with this.” He pulls the small band off my finger and places it in his pocket. “You are not plain; you sparkle. And if we’re doing this, I’m doing it properly.” Dusting his thumb over the space where he has just removed my ring, he adds, “This isn’t my proposal. This is me righting a wrong, but I’m serious about this. I hope this ring shows you that I want to do this with you if you still want to.”
Words escape me as I nod. “Yes, Leo. I want this,” I choke out and he closes his eyes and lets out a ragged breath. His fingers shake as he takes the insanely beautiful ring and gently slides it on my ring finger. “It fits.”
Curling my hand around the nape of his neck, I bring him down to kiss him lightly on the lips. “So, we’re doing this? This is real?” I whisper against his lips.
“This is real.” He pulls me into him so I’m flush with him and he kisses me slowly and with purpose, almost like he is pouring himself into me, and I take it all, everything he is giving to me. I hold on to it.
