I couldn’t let her go then, and I’m definitely not letting her go now.
“I love you,” I say the moment I reach her. I put an arm around her waist and tug her against me. “I don’t know what I said, but it was a language issue, not a heart issue.”
She stares up at me, a small frown between her brows. “Viktor, you don’t?—”
“Did you hear me?” I ask, pressing my forehead to hers. “I. Love. You. You’re my wife. I want you to stay. I want you to live with me and give me children and be my wife in every way that matters.”
“But you said that you still were going to help with the sanctuary even though you didn’t love me.”
I groan. “I do not remember the words that came out of my mouth exactly, but that was not my meaning. I was trying to explain that even if it was a relationship with no love, just friends or whatever, I would still help because it’s the right thing to do in this situation. I did not mean that I didn’t love you, specifically. I was being general.”
“But…” She looks worried.
“Do you love me?” I ask on a ragged breath.
“Yes.” She looks almost embarrassed. “I think I have since the beginning when?—”
I know I keep interrupting her, but this time it’s with my mouth. Because I can’t help but kiss her. Long and deep, with every emotion I’ve kept bottled up since the beginning. And she kisses me back. Our tongues swirl and dance, and it’s as emotional as it is passionate.
“Later, we can talk. About everything,” I whisper. “I will do anything you want to make you happy, and to keep you from leaving me. But tonight, will you celebrate with me?”
Her smile lights up her whole face. “Absolutely.”
I kiss her again, because I can’t help myself, and when I turn, everyone is waiting.
My family.
Kelly.
My extended family—my teammates—and their families.
And it’s a feeling like no other.
There’s champagne and laughter and so much fun, but nothing compares to knowing my wife loves me. That she’s not leaving. We have a lot to talk about. The sanctuary. The job in New York. A million other things. But as long as we’re together, we’ll figure it out. I’m not worried about it now.
“Congratulations, son.” The words are easy to understand but I don’t recognize the voice at first.
Then I turn, staring at Holly’s father in surprise. I have no idea how he got down to the ice but as a powerful state politician, I guess he has connections. The fact that he called me son is a little jarring, though.
“Thank you.” I shake his outstretched hand.
“I know it’s not the right time but I was wondering if you and I could have a chat, man to man.”
“About what?” I cock my head slightly. I don’t think Holly has seen him yet, she’s over with Serena and Jayne, and I don’t want anything to ruin this night for her.
“Look, I know what you did.”
I arch my brows. “What are you talking about?”
“I have friends everywhere, including at the law firm that handled the prenup you had Holly sign.”
I don’t say anything, merely waiting for him to continue.
“So, you’re paying her to be your wife, and I don’t really give a shit. That’s up to you. But if you want to keep your little secret, and the image you have here in town, you need to convince her to sell the land.”
“She will not.”
“I can make the prenup public.”
