The Paternity Proposition(44)

"Obviously."

And then he kissed her.

His warm, tender mouth settled on hers. As he wrapped his arms around her, she allowed herself to believe that he might have been telling the truth.

"You love me?" she asked, breathless, but with a little less heart pain.

"Yes, my dove. I suspect nearly from the first." He stroked her hair, then her cheek. "For many years now I have been disenchanted with my life. Everything felt wrong. I loved my sons, but they could not completely fill my heart. I have traveled everywhere and never felt at home, until I met you. When I saw my island through your eyes, it was as if I had seen it for the first time. Your gentle strength, your honest heart, your giving spirit touched me and healed me. I have searched the world only to find my heart's desire standing right in front of me."                       
       
           



       

He kissed her again. "Marry me, Phoebe. Marry me and stay here. Be mother to my sons, be princess to my people. But most of all, love me always, as I will love you."

"A p-princess?"

He smiled. "It's a very small island. Your duties would not be taxing."

"I wouldn't mind the work. I just never imagined anything like this."

"Will you say yes?"

She gazed into his dark eyes. She didn't care that he was a prince. What mattered to her was that he was the man she loved. This wasn't her dream … it was something much bigger and better. It was her heart's desire.

"Yes."

He drew her close and hugged her as if he would never let her go. "For always," he promised. "We will live life to the fullest, with no regrets. Just as your Ayanna would have wanted."