"I know."
"Good. Now kiss me," she says, "and then tell me again that you love me, this time so I can see your face when you do."
That's one order I'm more than happy to follow.
Nick
LATER THAT NIGHT when everyone has gone, I sit beside her while she sleeps and look out at the Chicago skyline.
The lights twinkle and gleam.
Life has a way of presenting itself, and when it does, it's best to grab it by the horns and just ride along rather than trying to fight it every step of the way.
And that's what I decided to do.
This woman was handmade for me. When I'm with her, there are no constraints like attachment or commitment, because those seemed to have evolved naturally.
She has become my world.
Everything I never knew I wanted, but everything I need, and I'm not going to fight it.
Tess had spent the day in bed, but by five, she was ready to move around. Fiona came over and brought her some clothes and dinner. After we ate, Ash hung around so I could run out and do something I couldn't wait to do any longer. By the time I'd gotten back, Tess had fallen asleep on the couch and Fiona had left. I thanked Ash, and he too went home.
It's close to eight now, and Tess is just waking up. I've been watching her sleep, and thinking about life, and what I want from it. The answer is so clear-it is her.
When her eyes flutter open, I stand up and offer her my hand. "Join me outside by the fire," I say.
She grins and gives me her hand. "Why Nick Carrington, are you trying to seduce me?"
Gently, I help her to her feet, careful to make sure the bruise on her stomach doesn't cause her too much pain. "Baby, I've told you over and over, I don't need game, my charm wins the ladies over every time."
She wraps her arms around me and tugs me close to her. "Your charm might have worked in the past, but this lady expects both romance and charm."
I look into her eyes. "Come with me, I have something for you."
She pushes back slightly and starts patting me down. "Please don't ruin the moment with another box of lubricant," she laughs.
I shake my head. "Am I ever going to be able to live that down?"
"Never," she grins.
Outside, we sit by the fire and talk. She tells me about Ansel, and her attack, and her deep sorrow that the café has been vandalized. I listen and reassure her that we will make her dream come true, but for now, I tell her, "I think we should leave that property alone." Then I tell her what has happened with Carrington Development, and how Bigelow is gunning for us.
"This all started because I didn't rent from him," she sighs.
I shake my head. "This all started because I went to war with him, not because of you."
She stares at me. "What's going to happen?"
I look around. "I'm not sure. I'm going to have to sell this place to keep the company on its feet."
"What? Why?"
"With so much of the company money tied up in Miami, if I don't, it won't be long before we won't be able to meet our monthly obligational needs."
"But you love this place."
I hadn't planned a way to do this because I knew I would never follow it. But now seems like the perfect time, so I drop to one knee in front of her. "And I'll love my new place even more, especially if you agree to make it ours."
Her eyes widen in surprise.
And then I reach into my pocket and pull the small velvet box from it. "I love you, baby, and I wanted to do this in the perfect moment, but I can't wait." I flip the box open to show her the perfect round diamond that sparkles just like her. "Marry me. I know we haven't been together long, but I've wanted this from the moment we met. I just didn't know it, but you showed me the way. So Tess, say yes, and make me the happiest man in the world. Tell me you'll be mine."
She is shaking and her hands are trembling, and at first I'm not sure what she's thinking as the tears stream down her cheeks. But then she offers me her left hand and says, "Yes. Nick, yes! I'll marry you. I love you so much."
Once I slide the ring on her finger, I smile and push myself up so I can gather her in my arms, and then I kiss her as gently as I can.
This woman has become a part of me I never knew was missing and I don't plan to ever be without her.
Minutes later we're in bed and I'm holding her tight. "I have a confession," I tell her.
She looks up at me. "Is it something bad?"
I toss her a rueful grin. "No, baby, it's not. Remember when you asked me if I wanted you to be my baby momma?"
With a smile of her own, she cups my check with her left hand, her ring sparkling on her finger in the dim light. "There are so many things I could say right now, but I think I'll go easy on you and just say yes."