Matthew hadn’t felt this light in…ever. As if he could float out of the room. He grinned. “I suppose you have to marry me now.”
She batted at his chest. “I thought that was already decided.”
“Yes, but I still have toask.” He rolled her off his arm and onto her back. He leaned over her, supporting himself on his elbows. “I’m going to officially propose to you today.”
The corner of her mouth lifted. “You’d better.”
Her smile warmed his heart, and he didn’t want to wait for later when the moment was perfect now. His pulse beat erratically, terrified to place his heart into her hands, even knowing it was safe.
“Truth be told, I’m nervous.” He gave a half laugh. “I’ve practiced it in front of the mirror a dozen times, but I think I’m ready. Would you like to hear how I’ll do it?”
Her eyes met his, shimmering with love.
“Please.”
He spoke as if imparting a secret.
“First, I’ll arrive with roses, for you and your mother,” he said matter-of-factly. “I have your father’s blessing, so at least that is out of the way.”
“Thank goodness,” she teased. “What will you do next?”
“Next, I’ll get down on one knee, and I’ll offer you my mother’s ring.” He brushed her hair behind her ear. “And I’ll propose using my limited knowledge of Spanish.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she gave a watery laugh. “You’ll propose in Spanish?”
“I’ll propose in both Spanish and English. I’ll say something truly romantic like…” He made a show of clearing his throat, then whispered, “My heart belongs to you.Mi corazón te pertenece.”
Her eyes widened and tears spilled from her, but he kept speaking, unable to stop himself now or he would fumble it.
“You’re my everything.Eres mi todo.I want to spend the rest of mylifewith you.Quiero pasar el resto de mi vida contigo.Will you grant me the honor of being my wife?¿Me concederá usted el honor de ser mi esposa?”
“Matthew,” Jasmine cried.
He pressed a fingertip to her lips.
“Shh. I know it’s long, I’m almost done.” He laughed. “After I say that, you’ll obviously be impressed. So, I’ll ease the tension by saying, ‘te amo”—he flicked her nose—“mi canalla.”
She blushed scarlet, pulled him in, and kissed him. He deepened their kiss, enjoying the moment with her. When she parted from him, she opened her mouth to reply, but he spoke first.
“Don’t give me an answer yet,” he urged. “I want to hear you say yes when I place the ring on your finger.”
Through her tears, she asked, “How are you so certain I’ll say yes?”
He smiled down at her and gave her another long, lingering kiss. “Because you love me.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Duke Kendall’s footman opened the door right away. Matthew watched him from the corner of his eye, wondering if the man had any part in what had happened to Jasmine the night before.
“You can leave it open,” Matthew said to him. “I won’t be long.”
And for the last time, he stepped into Duke Kendall’s study.
Holding a leather case at his side, he walked the length of the room to stand before Duke Kendall.
The Duke sat behind a wide desk with three women surrounding him in identical pink dresses, their faces smothered by powder and rouge. A brunette lounged on the Duke’s lap, while a blonde and a red-haired lady sat atop the desk. The same ‘ladies’that flanked him last night. They waved their fingers at Matthew and lifted their fans.
Duke Kendall’s grin widened. Even though Matthew wanted to knock out every pearly white tooth, he kept his face passive and bowed. As he rose, he noticed the faintest hint of blue bruising on the chalk-white skin of Duke Kendall’s throat.
