Page 196 of Her Defiant Warrior

“Only about forty times.” Mateo smiled as he reached into the fridge to take out the vegetable plate.

“Vegetables? I thought we were getting beer.”

“Lark made me promise I would try to get us to eat some vegetables.”

Gideon chuckled. “I haven’t talked to Sebastian for a while since he took the desk job. Did she say how he was doing?”

“I got the feeling he was just biding his time to get back out into the field.”

“That sounds about right.” Gideon nodded. “So, how did the design turn out?”

“I gave her pictures of some of Lainey’s grandmother’s jewels, and she came up with something that was in the same vein. I told her to not skimp on the size of the stones, and she didn’t. She even found a jeweler for me to go with.”

“I wish you luck,” Gideon said as he patted him on the back.

Lainey stretched out on the yoga mat in front of the fireplace. Ever since she had her gallbladder removed, she was more conscious of her body and liked to ensure it was limber and in shape. It also made sex even better!

She heard the garage door come up. Xena got up from her spot by the fire and ran toward the garage door by the kitchen. Mateo came in calling out, “Corazón, I brought home dinner.”

He did that at least once a week. Even though she currently didn’t have a day job, he took what she was doing seriously enough to bring home dinner, and he also cooked once a week. He was perfect.

“No, Xena, this isn’t for you. This is for your Mama and me.”

Lainey got up from the floor and saw Mateo’s eyes widen. “Let me get cleaned up for dinner,” she said.

“You know you’re wearing my favorite outfit.”

She giggled. He did love her yoga clothes. When he saw the one set she had, he went out and bought three more sets. Lainey would never feel comfortable wearing them out in public, but here at home? For Mateo? Sure.

“I’m sweaty,” Lainey protested.

“You have a glow,” Mateo countered. “Come sit down at the table before the food gets cold.”

Lainey liked their new dining room set. There wasn’t a chance in purgatory she ever wanted to see her old dining room set again.

She heard a pop and frowned. As she circled the couch and made her way into the dining room, she watched Mateo pouring champagne.

“Is there something we’re celebrating?”

“Have a seat.”

He looked serious, so she sat down.

“I lost Luis when he was twenty and I was sixteen.”

Lainey gulped and covered his hand with hers. “I know, I’m so sorry.”

He nodded. “I lost my mom when I was twenty-three.”

She squeezed his hand. He turned his over so he could tangle his fingers with hers.

“I had my team of brothers, but it wasn’t the same. I didn’t have that connection of the heart, that comes with having a family. As I saw my friends pair up, I despaired I would ever have that again. Then I met you.”

“You thought maybe I could be your connection?” Lainey asked hopefully.

“You were so much more than that. Lainey, my life is more meaningful with you by my side. You’re more than just my lover and the woman that I love. You’re the connection that bridges my heart, soul, and mind. We are so intricately entwined that I feel like I can do anything. I’ve been scared to death at the idea of getting married and starting a family. I never wanted to lose someone I loved ever again, but because of you, I now have the courage to try. Will you marry me, Lainey Simpson? Will you be my wife? My other half? And maybe one day, if God blesses us, the mother of my children?”

She nodded.