Page 115 of Worth Loving You

I bowed my head, pulling my shoulders to my ears. “Milo,” I whispered, dragging his name out.

He cupped my chin and forced me to look at him. The smile was gone, his Adam’s apple lurching. Taking a long, deep breath, he shook his head, his voice gruff when he spoke. “I am not a perfect man, Chazzy, you know that. I have already proven I can be quite the bastard.”

My brows lifted, sadness stabbing my stomach.

“I can buy you all the jewels in the world, cars, yachts, and whisk you to foreign countries every weekend, but that’s not the way to your heart.”

His thumb stroked my cheek, his pinky curled around the side of my jaw. “You are so unlike anyone I have ever met,” he whispered, squinting his lids for a moment to emphasize his statement. “You’re genuine and honest and the most loyal person I’ve ever known.”

The blush turned to shame, my sight flitting to the side. Even though I couldn’t see Wyatt from this position, I could feel his glare.

“You’re beautiful, smart, compassionate, vulnerable, patient, and understanding…how could I not fall madly in love with you, baby girl?”

I was swooning again, my pulse quickening. All the eyes I could feel watching began to fade away and I was aware of only me and Milo.

“To win your heart, I had to do something I’ve never done before. I had to be genuine. I had to break down a lifetime of thinking a certain way. I had to change my habits and patterns.”

My breath caught in my throat, afraid he was about to mention his affairs. He wouldn’t do that, would he? In front of all these people? No way he would admit to a room full of guests he had been cheating since the very first day. I would be mortified! I would never be able to face my friends again, mainly because I knew I was one of many when I agreed to date him. I would lose all credibility and respect.

Out of nowhere, a conversation I had with Jennifer almost a year ago filled my ears, silencing everything else briefly.

When you decide to find yaself a man, if he got himself a thingalang like Gary, tell me what you would and would not be willin’ to put up with.

No man and no dick is worth my self-respect and dignity.

My mind tells me you’re right. My heart ain’t listenin’.

You’re not listening with your heart, honey. That’s all pussy talking.

Oh, god…I was just as weak as she had been. The one thing I had constantly tried to get through to her, I was now a victim of. I was no better than her.

“You’re worth it, baby girl. There isn’t a goddamn thing in this world I wouldn’t do or give up for you.”

He set the flute on the table and knelt, cupping both cheeks. “I don’t know how a selfish son of a bitch like me managed to get inside that gorgeous heart of yours, but I thank god every day you gave me a chance. I am going to spend the rest of my life proving you didn’t make a mistake. I may have earned my place, but now I have to keep it.”

“Milo,” I whispered, petting his cheek.

He leaned to the side and pulled a little white box from his pocket.

My heart sank, ice washing over me. Flustered, I couldn’t take a deep breath as he held it out and lifted the lid. I was staring at an oval diamond in the center of a rose gold band that had smaller stones wrapping down the sides. Even the bracket that held the solitaire had tiny diamonds encrusted.

I choked on a yelp, a soft murmur rolling through the crowd. Tears welling my eyes, my stomach quivering, I shook from head to toe, my hand covering my mouth.

“Chastity Lou Monroe,” he chuckled, taking my left hand. “I know we’ve only been together for a few months, but I know when I’m whipped, and I’m so whipped, baby girl. You are the one, there’s no point looking anymore. No one compares to you. Will you marry me?”

He plucked the ring from the box, slapped the lid closed, and slid it on my shaking finger.

Panting for a deep breath, my skin sheening with a cold sweat, I held my hand up and stared at the ring, the dim light catching the large diamond with a soft glint.

He took my wrist and pulled it away from my face to kiss my knuckles. I tipped my head, gazing at him through the tears.

“What do you say? Wanna take a chance on me? Give me some kids? Have a happily ever after?”

Chuckling through my nose, the tears spilled down my cheeks. Nodding vigorously, I laughed, “Yes, Milo, yes I will marry you.”

The crowd – save for our table – burst into cheer while I threw my arms around his neck. He stood, pulling me to my feet, rocking us side to side.

“I love you, Chazzy. I’m going to make you happy.”