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Sebastian
Ishoved my hands in my jean pockets, my pulse pounding.
“Dude, don’t give yourself a heart attack.” Kip slapped me on my back as I paced my living room.
“Easy for you to say, mate. Even though things have been brilliant between Ella and me, you never know what will happen.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Kip arched a brow at me.
“Hell, no. There’s no doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. We’ve talked about marriage, kids, and what the future looked like together, but …” I shoved my fingers through my hair. “I’m fully healed from the accident and ready to take the next step. But that shit fucked me up. Life is short, and the time with her over the last several months confirmed my feelings for her. I don’t want anyone else.”
Dope chuckled. “If you know it’s the right time, then do it. We’ve been over this a million times, man. It’s all good. Just don’t forget to breathe. Apparently, oxygen to the brain is important.”
I resisted smacking him upside the head. “Everything is riding on this … what if?”
A knock at my front door stopped my full-blown panic. I hurried to answer it, peering through the peephole before I did.
“Thank fuck.” I answered and pulled Cami into the penthouse. “I’m so happy you’re here. You know Ella better than anyone, and I need to make sure this plays out well.” My gaze landed on the men’s pair of black shoes that stood behind her.
Goddammit. She brought Ryan. I was hoping she’d leave the cop at home.
“Hey, mate.” I extended my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Cami and Ella. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Fuck! I plastered a smile on my face, hoping like hell it was convincing because I didn’t want a cop anywhere around. “Come on in.” I moved back and waved them in.
Cami grinned, rubbing her hands together like a madman planning their final world takeover.
“Okay, this is how it’s going down.” She slid her purse strap off her shoulder and parked her handbag beside the entrance.
The dance floor was closed to the public for the evening, but the restaurant was packed. I selected one of my favorite playlists. “Holy Water” by Freya Riddings played in the background.
Cami and Ella were all smiles at the bar. Ryan paid Cami enough attention that told me he was definitely into her for more than just a fuck. It seemed as though he was going to stick around, and since I loved Ella, I would have to figure it out. Every time her face lit up when she was with Cami, there was no question that they were inseparable and good for each other. I had to make it work with Ryan … nothing made me happier than seeing my girl happy.
Kip tipped his chin at me. It was time.
“Unconditional” by Freya Riddings began to play, and the lights over the restaurant dimmed. I walked out from behind the bar, focusing on the only woman in the world. Her long black hair fell in loose curls down her back, and her black jeans hugged the curves of her hips and ass. Her eyes danced with excitement.
“Dance with me.” I held out my hand.
Without a word, Ella slipped off her seat and joined me. Once we reached the dance floor, I pulled her close and pressed my forehead against hers as we swayed to the music.
“I came to an important conclusion today.”
“What’s that?” she asked, her smile infecting every part of my soul.
“That I love you, and I can’t live without you. Ella, you made me breathe again … believe again.”
“Sebastian.” Her palm moved over my cheek. “I love you too.”
My pulse hammered against my wrist as I slowed our dance. “Ella McCloud, my heart only beats for you. I’ve rehearsed this moment, played it over in my dreams, but now all those scripts seem unworthy, and they pale in comparison to the reality of you,” I admitted, the words tumbling out with an earnest chuckle. “You’ve made every day a new adventure, a story worth telling our grandchildren one day. You’re my today, my tomorrows, my inescapable and wonderful always,” I continued.
I dropped to one knee, everyone a silent witness as I removed the black velvet box from my jean’s pocket and opened it to reveal a ring as radiant as the smile I hoped to see her wearing soon. “Ella, will you marry me?” I asked.
Her hands flew to her mouth, a mirror of the surprise I felt at the strength of my emotion. “Yes.”
I reached for the two-carat princess-cut engagement ring and slipped it on her trembling finger. Standing, I pulled her in for a deep kiss.
She giggled against my lips and laced her arms around my neck. Laughing, I picked her up and spun her in a circle. Not once in my lifetime had I felt like this—happy and hopeful about a future with the one person I loved with my entire being.
I set her down on the floor, her gaze softening. She pushed up on her tiptoes, and I bowed my head to meet her lips.
