Over Payton’s shoulder, I see Hayley’s and Payton’s husbands glaring at Kon, who has squared up to them, determination on his face. They both look over at their wives, and whatever my sisters’ expressions say persuades them to stand down.
“I’d find it easier to accept if you provided her with better-fitting clothes,” Maxim grumbles.
“Your man downstairs insisted I bring up your package for you, Harlesden. I’m not a fucking delivery service.” Feliks slams down a small parcel onto the console table as he barges in.
“Thank you,” Kon replies smoothly, closing the door behind my sisters and their husbands. He glances at it before picking it up and offering it to me. “For you, zhizn moya.”
“What is it?” I gently draw away from Payton’s embrace, glancing between the men. Kon is watching me intently, and the other two are exchanging looks with my sisters. I take the little packet.
“An idea,” Kon replies simply.
I blink at him, then everyone is watching us. “Should I open it?”
“You need breakfast, and I suppose we should offer our guests something, but yes. If you’d like to open it before you eat, that’s fine by me.” Kon has that stillness and unwavering attention on me, and it’s warming.
I’m a bit curious, I confess. It’s probably more pregnancy tests, but as I open the padded bag and reach inside, I realise I’m totally wrong.
A small square leather box falls into my hand and my heart lurches as Kon slides to one knee before me.
“Oh my god.” I’m light-headed.
“Are you sure we should be here?” grumbles Maxim. “I haven’t had breakfast yet either.”
“Shh!” Hayley nudges him. “I don’t want to miss this bit.”
“When…?” I can’t even fully form the question.
“I had it brought last night while you were otherwise occupied,” Kon replies calmly.
In the loo, he means. Those were the only moments we were apart.
“But I ordered it weeks ago,” he continues.
“Aww!!” Payton says, turning to Hayley. “See!? I told you!”
I stare at the box in my hands in shock. I’m so absurdly happy. As ever with Kon, he’s provided exactly what I didn’t know I wanted.
“You can reveal this one whenever you like, too.” Kon’s voice is untroubled. “As much time as you need.”
“What does he mean, ‘too’?” Hayley whispers to Payton.
Like the pregnancy tests. He’s so patient with me. I grip the little jewellery box like it could run away and think of how I delayed looking at the results of the test. How much joy I postponed.
Maybe, just maybe, I can believe in this dream come true?
“Though I would appreciate it if you took less time than last night,” Kon adds. “Because if you leave it too long my knees might never be the same again.”
I press my lips together and hold out the ring box. “Open it for me.”
Kon hesitates.
“I’m ready,” I say. I’ve never been more ready. I believe in this. I trust Kon. I have from the beginning.
The box makes a slight creaking sound as it splits and reveals a white gold band with a pale stone as big as my fingernail.
“Taylor Love,” Kon says in a deep, serious voice. “You’re my whole life. I love you. Please marry me.”
“Yes. Yes!” I throw myself on Kon, who catches me, laughing, and surges to his feet, holding me tight.
