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Portia Palmer had proved a much more demanding bride than the Lucchesi Group could manage, so when the castello sale had been cancelled Umberto had been more than happy to pass the actress on to a more capable wedding planner.
Dara had risen to the challenge with gusto, and once word had got out that she was Portia’s wedding planner the requests had starting pouring in. She already had the next year booked solid, and the summer so far had included events for politicians, television personalities and minor British royalty. She was a sensation.
But, as much as their careers had kept them busy, they still found time for each other. This weekend marked the start of a two-week vacation he had been planning for weeks. It began tonight.
‘There you are.’ She breezed up to him, planting a kiss on his lips. ‘You disappeared after dinner.’
‘I have a surprise. Can I steal you away now, or are you still on headset duty?’
She touched the small black device that was clipped to her earlobe. ‘I’m officially off the clock. The team have it from here.’
‘Excellent.’ He unclipped the earpiece and unceremoniously threw it over her shoulder.
‘Leo! That thing cost money, you know. My company’s not exactly hitting the billion-euro mark just yet.’
He laughed, pulling her by the hand inside the castle and up to the master suite.
‘You know, if you were that eager to take me to bed you should have just asked.’ She smiled seductively, pulling at his tie.
‘Not yet—first the surprise.’
‘So mysterious...’ she mused, following him out onto the balcony.
On cue, the sky was filled with an eruption of colour. Bursts of red and blue reflected in the bay.
‘Oh, Leo, it’s beautiful.’ She mused. ‘Portia will be so pleased. What a wonderful way to end the night.’
‘I wanted to make this magical for you. This moment. It’s been something I’ve been waiting to do for quite a while now.’
Dara gasped as he pulled out a small box from his pocket, knowing what was inside.
‘You say I’m impulsive, but I bought this ring the day I went to Paris. I knew even then.’
He opened the box to reveal a spectacular vintage sapphire, handpicked by himself. Something with history and class.
‘You were so sure I would say yes?’ she teased.
‘Well, I suppose I could always take it back...’ He closed the box, putting it back in his pocket.
Dara placed one hand on her hip. ‘You see, I was planning on asking you to marry me. You’ve totally ruined the surprise now.’ She tried not to smile, but failed, grinning widely.
Leo placed the ring on her left finger—a perfect fit.
‘I can’t wait to call you my husband. How would you like to elope to somewhere exotic?’
‘No big white wedding? I thought you would want to plan a festival of extravagance for your own.’
Dara shook her head, gazing up at him with tears in her eyes. ‘It doesn’t matter where or when, as long as I become your wife. All I will ever want is right here in front of me.’
He leaned down and captured her mouth in a kiss that promised for ever. His perfect Dara...his home.
