Page 144 of Hot for Mr. Moneybags

“Well … no.But also, maybe?I guess I’m more just asking if it’s something you’re interested in.This doesn’t seem romantic enough.But I’m gauging your interest in marrying me.Are you interested in that?”

“Are you being serious right now?”

“Si.”

“And Sam asked you this?”

I sipped my wine.“Si.”

“You’re asking me if I’m interested in having you ask me to marry you?”

I paused, processed what she said, then nodded.“Si.”

She started to sputter.“I … um … well …”

I took her wineglass from her and set hers and mine on the coffee table, then spun my body to face her.She did the same.Capturing her hands in mine, and feeling her quickened pulse against my thumb, I gave her a reassuring smile.“I love you, Danica.I love your daughter.I love our life.And yes, one day, when you’re ready, I would love to marry you.But I also don’t want to pressure you.I guess all I want to know is, do you one day want to marry me?”

She blinked several times, her eyes fixed on our hands.“My last wedding was awful,” she finally said.“I cried before my dad carted me down the aisle.I didn’t want to marry Rufus.I also didn’t get to pick anything.My mother made all the decisions.And my dress was hideous.”

I didn’t say anything, because I knew she wasn’t finished.

“I would like to have a wedding where I get to make all the choices.The dress, the colors, the flowers,” her gaze finally lifted to mine, “the man.”

I gave her a small, encouraging smile.

“And I would like that man to be you.”

My smile grew.“When you’re ready.”

She nodded.“While I know I want to be with you forever, I think I would also like a really romantic proposal.Since I didn’t get one of those either.Nothing fancy or expensive.Just … romantic.”

My thumb stroked back and forth across her wrist.“Then I will make it the most romantic proposal in the world.You deserve to have everything you have ever wanted, and I want to be the man to give that to you.”

Untangling our hands, she reached for her wineglass on the coffee table.Then she drained it and stood up, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet.“I think right now I just want you to make love to me.”

“Si,bella.That I can give you.That I can give you for the rest of our lives.”