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Sometimes I think he missed his calling in life. He would have made a fine actor. "I didn't leave you, silly pants. I went to work. That's not leaving you. It's only temporary, and now I'm home. Same as I am every day."
"Any time you're not by my side is too long for me."
"Well, you can miss me all you like, and you have the whole day to think of ways to make it up when I get home."
His eyes light up, ideas buzzing around in his head. I'm glad I could give him a project to help occupy his time. Draven has way too much energy for one person.
"What took you so long anyway?" He's trying so hard to remain stern, but his lips curve into a sexy smile when our eyes meet.
I love him with every fiber of my being, but I also love teasing him, and part of that means being mysterious. We trust each other implicitly, but I don't need to account for every movement. Although I don't answer him directly, I do address the heart of the issue.
"I missed you too, bossy pants." It's true. I miss him when we're not together. "But it's your fault. You're the one who encouraged me to go find a job outside of the house, remember?"
Draven understands that I need friends outside our home. Since I am naturally sociable, I can't exist online like he does. I tried making friends in online forums, but nothing beats sitting with a girlfriend in a coffee shop or meeting new people, however fleeting the contact may be. However, Draven is, and always will be, my top priority. Sometimes, he joins me in town. He isn't entirely comfortable going out yet, but he's trying for me.
He is overprotective, jealous, and absolutely adorable. He growls, turning his face away as though he regrets suggesting the idea.
As we walk to the house, hand in hand, he pulls me aside. "Do you have time for a walk before dinner? There's something I want to talk to you about."
"Of course."
It's a clear, moonless night; the stars shine bright overhead as he guides me to the bench seat under the willow tree. He takes my hand and turns to face me, his eyes glittering in the dim light.
"What is it? Is everything okay?"
"I love you, Dahlia," he whispers, pressing the sweetest kiss to my temple. "I love every minute of my life with you. You are my everything. My whole world."
Tears spring to my eyes at the raw emotion in his voice. He never misses an opportunity to show me how much I mean to him and how thankful he is to have me in his life. I didn't think it was possible to experience this much love, but he surprises me every single day. He is the ideal blend of passion and tenderness.
"I love our life too, Draven Asher Woodburn."
"Marry me, Beauty. Let my family be your family, and let's create a family of our own." He presses his hand against my belly. "Say you'll be mine forever."
His love and confidence in me make me feel special, like we are equal, and I'm giving him something he needs as well. I sniffle, offering him a wobbly smile as I savor this precious moment. "Yes," I breathe. "I love you so much."
Draven cups my face and draws me in for a passionate yet tender kiss. Eventually, we break apart, coming up for air. I lean my head against his chest, and he strokes my hair. "Dahlia," he murmurs. "I've been thinking about that name of yours."
"Yes? What about it?"
"I'm thinking it's time to change it to something else."
Is he about to pop the question?
My heart beats faster with anticipation. Knowing how much he enjoys my sassy attitude and the thrill of the chase, I'll play with him for a little longer. "You don't like my name? Well, what if I don't want to change it? I am a modern woman, Mr. Woodburn."
"Yes, yes, I know," he mutters, shaking his head at my stubbornness. "I am not trying to insult your family name, so if you want to keep or hyphenate it, I'll support you."
Throwing my arms around him, I try to imagine how we would explain our combined name as I dissolve into a giggling fit.
"You find it funny," he murmurs. I bite my lip to stop laughing as tears stream down my face. He arches a brow. "If you're a modern woman, then I'm modern too, and I'd hyphenate my name for you if you want me to."
"I know, and that's one of the reasons why we never will. I can't imagine life as Mrs. Savage-Woodburn. Can you?"
He groans in agreement. I dissolve into another fit of giggles, and this time, he laughs along with me.
"Okay, okay, you're right. You win," he says.
Twisting my head to one side, I lean closer. "I didn't hear you? Can you please repeat what you just said?"
