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A short but heartfelt promise, an entire lifetime of love packed into just a few short sentences.
I wagged my head, unable to speak at first, and watched the joy creep over him. “Yes?” he asked.
“Yes,” I half-wheezed, my grin unbearably wide as I leaned forward, all but collapsing into an embrace he readily accepted. He tucked my head against his neck. I could feel his stunned laughter vibrate through us both.
“Really? Really, really?” he asked quickly. “No, wait, never mind, you can’t take it back now. You’re stuck with me. You’re so stuck with me.” I laughed, throat full.
“I’m okay with that,” I managed.
He gently urged me back just enough to slide the ring onto my finger. I’d been so busy staring at him that I hadn’t even seen the thing, but it was beautiful. Just a simple silver band inlaid with three tiny diamonds, small enough to be able to wear with my wedding band but chic enough to wear on its own until then. Because I knew Richard—he was planning for the flashiest wedding ring I would tolerate.
I wiped my cheek, not caring that the makeup I’d so immaculately applied earlier that night was no doubt ruined, smiling at Richard with more love than I thought I could feel. He was looking at me in the same way.
He pulled me into a sweet, passionate kiss right there where we kneeled on some restaurant’s floor. It’s not just that nothing was better—it was that nothing could have been better.
Finally Richard pulled away, smile still unstoppable. He stroked my face as he said, “So, uh, I’m glad you like the garden because it’s ours now.” I blinked at him.
“What?” I asked, uncomprehending.
“The garden is ours. The house is ours—our sanctuary. I bought it two weeks ago, and I’ve had workers out here overhauling the grounds since then. So I’m, uh, really glad I got it right,” he laughed.
I stared at him, starry-eyed and slack-jawed. “You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack,” he said, smiling. I couldn’t believe it.
“Rich—” I breathed, overwhelmed. “Oh, Rich!” I pulled him into a passionate kiss.
“Do you want the grand tour?” Rich asked, eyes bright. He looked so excited to show me around our home. Our home.
Oh my God, I was going to marry this man and live the rest of my life by his side.
“Tomorrow,” I said, hands cradling his face. “Right now, I think maybe you should just show me the bedroom.” Richard’s eyes lit up. I only had a second before he was on his feet, hefting me into his arms and calling out into the house.
“If you’re not out in five minutes, I will not be held responsible for anything you hear or see!” I yelped, laughing deliriously. I was sure the hostess and the cook and whatever kitchen team was back there would be heeding that warning. And if they didn’t, well, that wasn’t my problem.
I was getting married to Richard Marino, I thought as Rich bounded up the stairs with me in his arms. I no longer had problems.
