Page 105 of Queen’s Gambit

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Slip on your sandals and come see.”

My excitement surged as I watched Ana. I wanted to tug on her hand and run down to the sand like we were children with the world at our feet and our happiness knowing no bounds.

“It’s beautiful here,” Ana said as we stepped outside and wandered down the shadowed path to the beach.

“It really is,” I said.

Ana stopped walking when she spied my surprise. Torches flickered in the night, surrounding the sheer tent covered with so many flowers that it looked like a small jungle had sprouted in the middle of nowhere.

“Eddie…what’s going on,” Ana asked as she noticed the group gathered.

A dozen of my men stood guard, but she was focused on the others. Frida, Ella, and Ana’s mother stood with Marcus, Paul, and her two guards. Rounding out that small group was the person I was most excited for her to meet.

“We can’t go over there. Too many people will see us, and when did Marcus and Paul get here?”

“Marcus and Paul arrived today. Vlad and Mylo have been with my guards all week while we were locked up in the villa. Everyone here can be trusted. Now, do you trust me?”

“You’re a rascal, but yes, with all my heart.”

“Then don’t worry,” I said, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.

“Okay.”

Ana was still hesitant as I led her into the miniature paradise set up for my surprise. Her mother and friends joined us, and she finally relaxed as, one at a time, she was pulled into a hug.

“You look so beautiful and happy. I wish I could do more to keep this look on your face,” Mrs. Mikhailov said.

“Thank you, Mom,” Ana whispered.

Vlad and Mylo walked over, and I shook their hands.

“Thank you for your support.”

“Anything for Yulianna,” they said almost in unison. It made me happy to know that at least she had two extremely loyal guards to keep her safe.

Marcus was next. He hugged me and then Ana, making her laugh as he shook her like a dog with a toy. He always made me want to kill him, but the genuine joy on his face for us made his craziness worth letting him live.

“Fuck, it’s good to see you two together,” Marcus said. “And it’s nice not to see this jerk moping around twenty-four-seven.”

I glared at Marcus, but he just laughed.

Paul shoved him out of the way and hugged Ana. Then he slipped a velvet box into my hand.

“No matter what the future holds, you two will always have my support. Just call, and I’ll make it happen,” Paul said, and I knew he would.

He’d changed the most out of all of us and was one of my most dedicated allies.

“Thanks, guys, and thank you for standing up for us tonight.”

“Standing up for us? Eddie, what are you up to?”

I walked her up to our mystery guest, and her eyes bounced between me and the smiling older man. She gasped and covered her mouth when I dropped down to my knee before her.

“Ana, I know we can’t have everything we dreamed of right now. But I swear that one day we will. My heart only beats for you, and it feels like it always has. I was born to love you, and I’ll defend what we have with my dying breath. If the world crumbles, then I’ll be your rock. If it floods, I’ll be your raft. If it burns, I’ll shield you from the flames, for there is nothing that can keep us apart forever. If God sees fit to take me from this earth too soon, then I’ll stand vigilant at the pearly gates until you join me. Ana, love of my life, will you be handfasted with me tonight under the stars and before our closest friends?”

“Oh my god, Eddie…yes, yes, yes, always yes.”

Ana cupped my face and kissed me as our witnesses clapped.