For a while he simply looked at her, deep in thought. His eyes grew sombre and determined. 'Are you saying that if I lost all my money in the morning you wouldn't love me?'
'No! Of course not!'
And then she stopped as a satisfied smile broke on his lips.
'So what are you saying?'
For the longest while she just stared at him, unsure. She trusted him. He had never tried to control or dominate her with his wealth and power. And if he was penniless it wouldn't change her love for him.
'I suppose I'm saying that I'm a little scared and daunted by all this.'
His head tilted to the side and he said gently, 'Being in love is a little scary...but I promise I will never hurt you.'
'Are you scared?'
'Of course! I'm scared of being hurt, too-of you not loving me as much as I love you.'
'But that would be impossible.'
'Would it? Are you willing to take the risk and be with me? I love you. I want you by my side always. I want to wake to your smile, sleep with you in my arms. I want to care for you, protect you, argue with you, grow old with you. I want to share everything I have with you. Because in giving, in sharing everything I have with you, I hope you'll see it as an indication of how much I love you. And in accepting me, and all that I have, you can show me how much you love and trust me. That you are willing to share my life.'
He dropped to his knees on the path before her and she could do nothing but gape at him, open-mouthed.
'Before this year is out I want to stand before our families and friends and ask you. Aideen Ryan, for richer or poorer, will you marry me?'
Dizzy, she closed her eyes for a moment. The sun warmed her face as she turned it upwards and her hand swept away the tears on her cheeks. A fiery intensity beat in her heart.
The sun danced beneath her eyelids and when she dropped her head she opened her eyes to the pale blue Irish sky. The same glorious colour as his eyes, which she then turned to. Eyes filled with love...and a little apprehension.
She could barely speak, her pulse was pounding so hard. 'I never thought I could ever love someone as much as I love you. With you I feel complete... I feel secure. I can be the best that I am with you. The world is more beautiful, more exciting, more intense with you in it. So, yes, I would be honoured to be your wife, to spend the rest of my life with you.'
His hands wrapped about her face and he gently drew her to him. Her breath caught at the power of the joy and love shining in his eyes.
He spoke in a low whisper. 'It has taken me so long to find you...to allow love into my life. I'm never letting you out of my sight again. Promise me that we will never sleep a night apart. That you will come with me wherever I go.'
Her thumb traced the lines of his lips and she spoke with light, teasing laughter. 'I promise... I will follow you to the ends of this world. But I'm warning you: I want lots of children, so you'll have a lot of uncomfortable nights in hospital chairs.'
At that he stood, and looked down at her with stunned joy. Then he pulled her up and, holding her by the waist, swung her around and around.
When he stopped they were both breathless with laughter. And then his gaze darkened. 'How about we start trying straight away?'
She inched forward and brushed her lips against his. 'Good idea.'
And then she was lost to his strength, his warmth. His love.
EPILOGUE
Eight months later
AS SHE STOOD outside the double doors to the entrance of Ashbrooke's ballroom Aideen's fingers trembled where she held on to her dad's arm.
Behind her, her cousin and bridesmaid Kate fussed with the train of her dress.
To one side of the hallway a huge fir tree from the estate was bedecked in twinkling white Christmas lights. Through the windows beyond, fat flakes of snow fluttered down to join the heavy carpet of snow that already covered the estate.
Tomorrow-Christmas Day-she would wake up beside her husband. Giddy excitement raced through her at the thought, and she smiled quietly to herself.
She ran a hand over the delicate lace of her dress, her trained eye once again inspecting it. But there was no need. It was perfect.
She had spent weeks deciding on the design, and it had been handcrafted by a group of lacemakers who lived locally. It was a traditional Bandon Lace design, but with personal touches added-the shields that represented valour and honour on the Fitzsimon family crest, the three griffins of the Ryan crest representing courage and bravery. A seashell to represent Ashbrooke House. The sailing boat from the Parisian coat of arms. Symbols from all the places where she had fallen deeper and deeper in love with Patrick.
And on her feet were the ivory ankle-strap sandals Mustard and Mayo had bought her all those months ago.
With a nod, she signalled to her dad that she was ready.
The doors opened and once again she was dazzled by the ornate heavy gilt mirrored walls, the cherub-filled frescoed ceiling of the ballroom, and her heart leapt at its spectacular beauty.
Her family and friends beamed back at her and her already bursting heart exploded with joy. Her mum openly cried, while her two brothers tried to pretend they weren't.
Orla, holding baby Evie in her arms, looked from Aideen to Patrick with love and pride.
Patrick's best man, Frédéric Forbin, whispered something to him and he nodded in response.
When was he going to turn to her?
The dogs sat patiently at his feet, both wearing pale pink bows to match the bridal party. Behind him stood his large group of friends, including Lord Balfe, all of whom had travelled from around the world to be here. Friends who were once again part of his life.
And then he turned to her.
She wanted to run to him but forced herself to take the slow bridal steps. His hair was shorn once again, highlighting the sharp masculine lines of his face, the brilliant blue of his eyes.
Step by step she moved closer to her best friend. To the man who made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
With him, she was complete.
Before him, she'd felt as though she was a feather-floating through the air, happy, but never quite belonging, never quite understanding.
And now, because of him, she understood. That this life was about love. Giving love. But also receiving it. That was all that really mattered.
And tonight, at the stroke of midnight, she would give him his Christmas present: the news that she was six weeks pregnant.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from SAVED BY THE CEO by Barbara Wallace.
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Saved by the CEO
by Barbara Wallace
CHAPTER ONE
"I THINK I'M in love."
Louisa Harrison bit off a piece of cornetto, moaning as the sweet cake-like pastry melted like butter on her tongue. Crumbs dotted her chin. She caught them with her finger, not wanting to waste a drop. "Seriously, Dani, how do you not weigh a thousand pounds living with this man?" If she were married to a chef as wonderful as Rafe Mancini, she'd be the size of her palazzo, the grounds and the vineyards combined.
Her best friend laughed. "Trust me, it's not easy. Fortunately, running around the restaurant all day keeps me in shape. Especially now. Ever since the royal wedding, we've been slammed with requests for reservations. Everyone wants to eat at the restaurant that fed Prince Antonio and his bride."
"As well they should." Danielle's husband, Rafe, entered the restaurant dining room brandishing a coffeepot. "You make it sound as though Mancini's is some ordinary royal wedding caterer."
"I'm not sure there is such a thing as an ordinary royal wedding caterer," Dani replied, kissing him on the cheek, "but you're right, Mancini's is anything but ordinary. Once people taste Rafe's food, they are desperate to come back."
"Only they can't for at least eight weeks. My beautiful bride is right-we are booked solid through the harvest festival."
"That's fantastic," Louisa replied helping herself to a cup of coffee. Rafe Mancini not only created wonderful food, he made the best American coffee in Tuscany. That was Dani's doing. She'd insisted Rafe add a few New World touches to his traditionally Italian menu to placate US tourists. One of many small changes she'd implemented over the past few months. It hadn't taken long for her friend to establish herself as an equal partner both in the relationship and the business. But then, Louisa had heard there were men in this world who actually liked when their wives had minds of their own. Not to mention lives.