Different plants in a variety of colored pots covered my conference table. Some pots had abstract faces on them. Some vases were in the shape of men’s torsos and human organs. One vase was modeled after an arm holding up a small potted plant.A few of them sported leather ribbons and metal wire accents. A wooden board with the words Fine SpeciMens burned into it described the collection.
She’d added accent pillows to the couch and chairs at the conference table. The curtains at the windows were now modern blinds, brightening the entire room.
I walked up to the two frames highlighting the two passionflower pieces I’d drawn for her.
“They look nice in this gold frame.”
“Sure do.” She placed her coffee on my desk and walked over to me. “Do you like your office space?”
“It’s incredible.” Turning around, I took in all the decor. “I’m glad the office isn’t pink.” I picked up a gray vase with a smiley face. The small aloe gave it a spiky-haired appearance. “This is your new collection for the shop?”
“Yes.” She wrapped one arm around my waist. “Youinspired all of this. You’re afine specimen—the perfect example of what a man should be.”
My heart thudded at her statement.
“Thank you.” I kissed her. “It’s a fine collection indeed.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Women can buy these plants for their men. Or men can pick them up for their loved ones. They’re gifts that keep growing and growing.”
“Just like our love.”
She placed a gentle hand on my cheek. “Like plants, our life will flourish forever and ever as long as we feed it with love.”
Eva may be a lot younger than me, but she possessed wisdom that taught a man like me how to love—how tolive.
Nerves danced in my stomach. “Eva.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve got a decoration for you too.”
“What?” She lifted her face to me, looking adorable.
“Close your eyes.”
Eva
“Don’t open your eyes until I say so.”
“Okay.” I covered my eyes with both hands, waiting.
What was he up to? Did he create another floral arrangement for me? Did he draw another tattoo design for me? The passionflower on my shoulder looked gorgeous. I showed my friends, and they were all interested in getting inked too.
I heard shuffling noises but kept my eyes closed.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
My heart raced seeing Kain down on one knee, holding out a box with a gorgeous diamond ring.Oh my God.I placed a hand over my pounding heart. This incredible man wanted me to be his forever.
Kain met my eyes. “Eva, I love you more than I can say. You’ve changed my life for the better. Since you believe I’m the finest ‘SpeciMen’ to ever exist, I’d be honored if you married me to strengthen our deep roots and grow old together.”
I didn’t need to think about the answer.
“Yes!” I choked out a joyful sound as tears streamed down my face.
Joy blazed from him as he slipped the brilliant-cut diamond onto my finger, fitting perfectly.
He got up, lifted my hand to his lips, and kissed it. “Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with me?”
