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But that’s not the case.
I pour the ring out into my hand. It has a gold band, and small diamonds encircle a beautiful pear-shaped ruby in the middle.
“It’s beautiful.”
Matthew takes the piece and hovers it by my ring finger.
“Molly Greene, I know you beat me to the punch yesterday, but I want you to understand that I’m serious about what I said. When we first met, I was taken by you. And now my life has bloomed because you’re in it. You’ve flooded me with happiness, and I want to spend the rest of my days doing the same thing for you. I want to read all your books and cosplay as all your favorite leads.” I laugh through my happy tears. My skin tingles with warmth. “I want to make that pretty smile appear on your face every day. I want to watch you build The Griffin and grow my business alongside yours. Anything you want, darling, I’ll give it to you. I love you, Molly. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes.” I nod vigorously. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
The cool band slips over my finger. It doesn’t feel heavy because it’s not another noose. This is a symbol of love, the feeling I was so afraid I’d never have.
Now, my life will be filled to the brim with it.
The perfect engagement.
Just us.
On our own terms.
He holds my hand, staring down at the ring. Wrapping paper crinkles around us as he leans over and kisses me. A happy-teared, salty kiss with my oh so real fiancé.
When we break apart, our lips are swollen. I run my left hand over the stubble on his jaw, down his chest—these manly chest hairs are mine forever. I giggle at the thought.
“What are you thinking over there?” He smirks as if he’s reading my mind; he probably is.
“Just that I’m so lucky to call you mine.”
“And Bear, if you’ll have him.”
“My favorite boys,” I say, and we fall back onto the silk pillows with me tucked safely between his arms. “Do you think Bear would like a sister?” I ask.
He turns his head to me, and we roll over onto our sides so we’re facing each other. “You want to adopt a cat?”
My pulse claps. “I know it may be a lot to take on another pet right now, but I think our Greenwich house is big enough. And there’s a long winter ahead. Think about all those poor kittens waiting to be loved by us. Is that too much?”
A smile pulls across his face. “Not at all. Bear’s going to be glad to have someone else to annoy.”
Sure, kids aren’t in our plans for now. I’m certain that I don’t need a large family of my own to be fulfilled, but every crevice of my being brims with love, and I know Matthew feels the same. Another bundle of joy might be really nice to include in our life.
“I love you.” I smile.
“I love you too.”
“I have to ask, when did you get this ring?” I say, flipping over onto my back and holding my hand above me. This ring, unlike the Harry Winston diamond Lance gave me, represents a freedom the other didn’t.
“It’s a family heirloom. My mother wore this, her mother before her, and so on. They’ve all had very happy marriages, so I’m inclined to believe it carries a little luck.”
“Luck is exactly what I need if I’m going to secure the Tarrytown property,” I say.
I don’t care that I’m not getting my trust, especially with all the ties it would bring to my parents. But I’ve been changing all my budgeting models, and hopefully I can find an investor for my inn like Matthew has for EcoDrones.
“I have a feeling luck will always be on your side, darling.”
“A lot of things are changing next year. New home, quitting ORO, starting The Griffin, getting EcoDrones off the ground, a new cat, and now…a wedding.” I smile at the future that awaits me.
“Are you excited?”
