I watch her across the table, sunlight catching in her hair, one hand curled around her coffee, the other sketching a to-do list on a napkin.
For a minute, I let her work.
The first time we were here, I was struck by the easy domesticity between us. And I’ve grown to crave that.
She’s my peace, and I’d lay down my life for her.
Eventually she looks up. “Sorry.”
“Planning?”
She tucks the napkin under the plate and meets my eyes. “Always. You know it.”
“The wedding?”
She sighs. “Xavier.”
I lift a hand.
With the new corporation, she has her hands full. Oh, that and generously trying to train new assistants for me.
“We could elope,” she suggests.
At first, I’d been totally against the idea, but the longer she refuses to set a date, the more I like the idea. “When?”
She laughs. “Pushy.”
“Persistent,” I counter.
Her eyes soften, and for a moment, the whole world stills. “I never thought I could be this happy.”
“Me either.” I curl my hand around hers. I really didn’t deserve that second chance, and I’ll never take my good fortune for granted.
When we eventually arrive back home, we don’t make it as far as the bedroom.
By the time we walk into the house, I’m done pretending I can wait. She kicks off her sandals, laughing as I lift her onto the kitchen island.
“I love you in every possible way,” I tell her.
Her voice trembles, her breaths shallow and fast as I slide her panties off and drop to my knees. “Then show me.”
And I do.
Hours later, she’s draped across my chest, and the sunlight is fading from the sky. I run my fingers through her hair, memorizing every nuance, the warmth of her skin, the sound of her breathing.
“Next month,” I tell her.
She doesn’t move. “For…?”
“The wedding. Vegas is fine. Or we can go to the courthouse. We can always have a second wedding later if you want the dress and the ceremony.”
“That doesn’t matter to me.” She shakes her head. “All I need is you.”
“And I want it to be legal to protect you financially.” Every time I went on a date in college, my father reminded me that the woman could take half of my fortune. The truth is, when it comes to Seraphina, she deserves way more than that. But if we’re married, the law says she’s entitled to certain things, and I want her to have them.
In an instant, I pin her beneath me and look into her eyes. “I’m being generous in letting you set the date.”
She inhales sharply.