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“No, but I did file the paperwork to create a nonprofit LLC so I could open one. Do you hate the idea?”
“No, baby. I love it. I think it’s every bit as amazing as you are,” he assured her. “Let’s get this started.”
An hour later, they emerged from the bank. Evening was just falling, leaving a bright orange-pink swath across the sky. Gia wore a smile of such serenity that she glowed. Jason had been attracted to her the moment he saw her, but he found her so much more beautiful because he knew how good she was inside as well.
“Congratulations,” he murmured as he helped her into the car again.
“I’m really excited to get started. Thank you so much for doubling the contribution. I can do more for others much faster.”
“My pleasure.” He started the car and drove back to the park.
It didn’t take long before they pulled into the lot again. Most of the minivans and SUVs had cleared out.
“So…that’s everything I had to say.” She looked at him expectantly. As Jason pondered the best way to tell her what was on his mind, she grabbed her purse and fished her keys out. “I’ll…um, get out of your hair.”
Jason reached out and grabbed her wrist. “No, you won’t. I need to say a few things.” And now that the moment had come for him to finally speak what was in his heart, he felt nervous as all hell.
She sank back into the seat but still didn’t look relaxed. “All right.”
Shit. He hadn’t planned this speech exactly. Without knowing what Gia had on her mind, he hadn’t been sure what to say. Usually, he went on with his thoughts and plans, then let everyone else adjust as necessary. Besides keeping him off guard, his wife deserved more consideration—especially since she always put everyone else first. No one did that for her, and he wanted to be the one she counted on.
“I’m listening,” she assured softly.
He gulped down rare nerves and took her hands in his, clutching them. “Gia, baby, I don’t want a divorce, either. I want you to stay with me and live as my wife. I want to take care of you and watch you grow this foundation in your brother’s honor, be a part of your family…and start our own. W-will you do that with me?”
The beginnings of a smile broke across her face, and she pressed her lips together to squelch it. Even so, he saw the moisture gathering in her eyes and making them glisten. Damn it, if she wasn’t the most beautiful woman he knew. “Really?”
“Yes.” He squeezed her hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot, too. I love you.”
Gia froze, completely silent. Then she shoved her purse to the floorboard and launched herself into his arms, pressing her lips to his with a need that floored him. The passion to become one with him flowed from her kiss, deep into his mouth where they joined…then straight to his heart. Over the gearshift, he held her tighter, wishing like hell he could pull her body completely against him and make her his all over again.
But first, he had to hear her say that she wanted what he yearned for, too.
He tore away. “Is that a yes?”
She panted, her slick, passion-stained lips parted and tempting and… Shit, he needed to keep his head together. This answer was too important.
“Yes.” Gia brushed a solemn kiss on his mouth, then smiled softly at him. “Yes! I’d love that because I love you, too. So much.”
When she gasped suddenly, then dove for her purse on the floorboard, he frowned. “Baby?”
After a wild dig through her purse, she came up with a triumphant grin on her face. “Put this on me?”
Gia handed him her ring, then kept something back in her other fist.
Jason wondered what little plot she cooked up now, but he smiled. “My pleasure, wife.”
In the solemn silence, he slid the ring onto her finger. This time, he knew it would stay there. Joy lit up every nerve and jetted through his veins. He couldn’t imagine being any happier than he was right now.
“There,” she breathed, looking down at the symbol of their marriage all glittering in the falling light. “It’s beautiful…but not perfect.”
“It’s not?”
Gia grabbed his left hand in hers before kissing his palm. Then she looked into his eyes and, with shaking fingers, she settled a perfect platinum band around his finger. “I bought it this morning when I figured out what I wanted. In our rush to Vegas, we never picked out a ring for you, and I wanted you to have something from me so you’d always remember that you’re my husband.”
Fuck if he didn’t feel his throat close up as he choked on the moment. “It’s incredible. I’ll cherish it because you gave it to me.”
“I love you, Mr. Denning.”
