Of course there was.
“There’s always more,” I muttered. “Tell me.”
His gaze flicked back to mine, and for the first time since I’d known him, I swore I saw something like shyness cross his features. “Mina wasn’tentirelywrong about those wedding invitations she’s been teasing us about.”
I blinked once, then again, the meaning of his words taking a second too long to settle before everything clicked into place. My entire body went still as I stared at him. “I can stay,” I said slowly, my voice catching up with the realization, “if I marry you?”
“Legally,” he clarified. “According to Crescent Cove’s laws, it would grant you citizenship.”
My heart started racing again, but this time for an entirely different reason. “Is this... is this a proposal?”
“Only on paper. We can still take things slow. It wouldn’t have to change anything between us, not unless we wanted it to.” He paused, his voice softening just a fraction. “It would just... protect you.”
Warmth flooded through me at his words, and before I could think twice, I launched myself at him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I kissed him. “I would love to marry you,” I said against his lips, pulling back just enough to look at him, “if that means I get to stay here and keep dating you.”
“Dating your husband,” he teased. “Something all women dream of.”
“I always dream of you,” I shot back, pulling him into another kiss before leaning back just enough to meet his eyes again. “And in terms of playing house to help keep up the ruse,” I added, my tone turning playful as I leaned in closer, “I’m already a homeowner.”
“Considering I helped build this home with you, I’d say we’re already presenting a strong case to the council.”
I gasped softly, feigning shock. “Are you saying you deserve partial credit for my hard work?”
“I’m saying,” he countered, “without me, this place would have collapsed on top of you.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, holding the look for a second before a smile broke through anyway. “Okay, fine,” I conceded. “You can have... thirty percent credit.”
“Thirty?”
“Thirty-five,” I amended generously.
He shook his head, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll take it.”
I leaned into him again, my hands settling against his chest as I looked up at him, the reality of everything finally catching up to me in the best possible way. Free. Safe. And now... possibly engaged.
“To be clear, this is the least traditional proposal ever,” I teased. “Do I at least get a ring?”
“Kara...”
“I’m just saying,” I continued innocently, “if we need to convince the council, and if we’re really doing this...”
One of his tentacles curled lightly around my waist, pulling me just a fraction closer. “We’re doing this,” he said, his voice leaving no room for doubt. “So whatever ring you want, you’ll get.”
“Good,” I murmured. “Then I want a pear-cut diamond, set in white gold, with a thin band and just a hint of smaller stones along the sides. Dealers choice.”
He let out a quiet breath, something between amusement and disbelief. “So high maintenance,” he said, though his grip on me didn’t loosen. “But if that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen.”
“Then I agree to these terms,” I said with a soft smile. “As long as you agree to them too.”
“This was my idea. Of course I agree.” His lips brushed a gentle kiss against my forehead before he leaned in, his voice dropping to a small whisper at my ear. “Because I can’t imagine waking up in this town and you not being in it.”
“Then, if we’re both on the same page... yes, I agree to marry you.” I tilted my head, my tone turning just a little more playful. “But I want an early engagement present.”
“Anything,” he said without hesitation.
“You have to sample the dinner I made,especiallyfor you.”
He paused, then gave me a flat look. “We’re not married yet, Kara. Poisoning me won’t get you a dime from my life insurance policy.”
