Page 51 of Tempting Fire

“You’re my life,” he said solemnly.

She looked at him in confusion.

“Saying I love you just doesn’t cut it. Do you hear me Chloe Rose? I love you.” He saw her bottom lip tremble.

“You do?”

How could she ever doubt him?

“If you ever left me, half of my soul would be ripped away. You’re my life. I’ve loved you since you were a gutsy little girl, I’ve loved you when you were a gangly teenager and I’ve always loved my best friend. You’re my soulmate. Never leave me.”

Her mouth opened, then closed. Her eyes glossed with tears.

“Zarek, you’re putting too much pressure on me. You’ve seen how much of a mess I can be. How broken I can get.” She tried to pull away from him.

“I’ve seen a woman who has gone through hell and worked hard to get her life back. You fucking amaze me. You’re stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.”

“But―”

“Seriously Cupcake if you keep coming up with excuses, I’m going to think you don’t want a future with me. Is that what this is about?” He held his breath.

He watched as her smile turned radiant. “A future?”

“A future. I want to build a life with you, Chloe.”

He could see the wheels turning in her head. Protests forming, then rejected. Then final blessed acceptance. Thank the lord.

“I’m going to want kids,” she warned.

His smile got big. “I like kids.”

“We might end up with twins.”

“Is this a yes?”

“I haven’t heard a question.” Her shining eyes sparkled down at him.

He cleared his throat. “Will you marry me?”

“God yes. Nothing would make me happier.”