Page 90 of Fractured Memories

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Two days later…

I slide my hands around Eden’s waist as she finishes pinning her curls up. I told myself that I wouldn’t interfere with her getting dressed—not when today relies on such a delicate timeline—but I didn’t expect her to look like this.

She has on a deep red dress that clings to her perfect curves, stopping just below her arse. The color looks perfect with her olive skin tone and dark hair, and she’s painted her lips the matching shade.

But what’s really about to undo me are the boots. She is wearing thigh high black boots that are making it hard to focus on anything else. That tempting exposed skin between the top of her boots and bottom of the short dress should be illegal.

All I want to do is fuck her in it, skirt around her waist and boots wrapped around mine.

“Kieran,” she warns as I press a kiss right above her collar.

“You look…” I scrape my teeth over the skin, and she leans back against me. “So fucking good.”

“And you better not mess it up.” She catches my hand before it can dip too low, pinning it against the soft dress. “It’s my first Wintervale with your friends. Don’t make us late.”

“They’d understand once they saw you,” I murmur, undeterred. “You are going to kill me in this dress.”

“You said dress warm.” She goes back to adjusting her hair while I wonder how I’m going to get through this night. I’m already so fucking hard.

“Only you could make a long sleeve dress look this sinful.”

To her credit, I’m sure on anyone else it would be appropriate for the winter activity. It does feel really warm and will protect her from the wind. But Eden could make a trash bag look tempting, so this outfit is far more appealing.

She pushes me away from her, shooting me a glare. “We are going to be late.”

Inwardly, I curse. I took too much care planning this for that to be the case. “You’re right.” I let my eyes rake over her one more time before tucking my hands away. “We should go.”

I follow after Eden as she leaves our room, surprised to find myself feeling nervous. My heart rate kicks up as we approach the back patio, and I slow my steps, letting her step out first.

Pausing in the doorway, I take in the touches that Mika added for me. The extra candles, the red winter berries, and more greenery. The trees and lights are still decorating the patio, and the fire has been stoked to life, just like the other night. But with the setting sun, the space feels softer and more intimate. I’d dare call it romantic.

Off to the side, Mika is beaming, curled in Jude’s lap, and I shoot her a grateful look. Lochlan looks nearly as giddy, and even Rohan has a soft smile on his lips as he nods to me.

Eden’s paused in the center of the patio, right on the edge of a circle of candles and greenery. No one has said a word since she stepped outside, but she looks from our friends watching her to me. “What is this?”

I push off the doorframe, walking over to her. I will myself to stay calm. I’m not used to feeling like this. Maybe because I’ve never done anything this important.

Taking Eden’s hand, I step into the circle, and she follows after me. I turn my back to the tiny group in the corner and focus entirely on Eden. I really hope that I’m not fucking wrong about this.

I’ve been trying to let Eden in. Neither of us are very good at being vulnerable, but after the night I told her I love her, I’ve been working on it. This is the biggest leap we’ll have taken, though, and I really don’t want to be sent crashing to the ground.

“Eden.” My voice is pitched low enough to keep this moment private, my accent giving away my nerves as it thickens. “I love you.”

Her lips twitch, but she looks nervous. It does nothing to soothe the pounding in my chest. “I love you, too.”

I nod, trying to keep going. Lochlan coached me on this—with Mika’s input while Rohan and Jude laughed at my expense. They told me I couldn’t just put the ring on her finger and decide she was mine.

“From the moment I saw you, I knew that I had met my match. I’ve never met someone so strong-willed, so fierce, who always puts me in my place.”

That earns me a laugh. “Someone has to.”

I drag my thumb over her knuckles. “And I’m glad it’s you, mo chuisle.” I suck in a deep breath. “Wintervale is supposed to be celebrating the end of a season, and the start of the next.” I sink down to one knee in front of her slowly, watching her hazel eyes widen. There’s no hesitation or regret in her expression, just shock—and I think a little excitement. It gives me the push I need to finish. “I don’t want to enter another season of my life without you, Eden.”

“You have me,” she whispers.

I shake my head and pull my hand away. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the ring that I painstakingly selected. A green, kite-cut center stone with streaks through it that reminded me of Eden’s love of nature and wild spirit. Diamond accents are set on either side of the delicate gold band, shimmering in the soft light.