“I went to see Michael this week. After thinking long and hard about what I want for my future, I’ve decided that it’s time to move on from being his accountant. I’m going to help him hire someone new and train them, and then I’m going to leave that world behind.”
My lips curled into a wide grin. “Wow. I never would’ve asked you to leave, Katia. I know Michael gave you a lot, and you’re very loyal to him.”
“I know you wouldn’t, but I also know you don’t want me working for him forever.”
I pursed my lips, my silence confirming her statement.
“And I’m ready to move on too. I think it’s time for me to see what else I can do with my degree.”
“Do you want to take on new clients?”
Her features drew together. “I’m not sure. I could certainly take on a few accounting clients to see if I like it. Or, I also joined some of the local Facebook groups, and there are lots of divorced women whose husbands handled their finances. I might be able to set up some sort of financial service that helps them.”
“That would be cool,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I mean, we’re deep in the burbs now. I’m going to apply to be the new assistant football coach, and you’re going to be helping divorced housewives. It’s a far cry from the Gilded Cage.”
Laughing, she nodded. “It certainly is.”
Her eyes darted between mine as she studied me. “And if we have kids, I can’t be an accountant for the mafia. We both know that.”
My heart slammed in my chest. “Do you want kids, sweetheart?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “One or two. And that’s it. And maybe another cat down the road.”
I shot her a droll look. “I think one cat is enough...”
“Remember we’re going for second base, buddy.”
Exhaling a laugh, I capitulated. “Fine. Another cat andthirdbase, and you’ve got a deal.”
She bit her lip, looking incredibly adorable as she gazed at me. “I’m in.”
We finished dinner and I led her back to the car, overwhelmed with the knowledge that she’d resigned from Michael’s organization. I’d always held out hope she might leave one day, but I was thrilled she’d made the choice on her own, without any push from me.
I drove us to the small beach I’d been coming to with my parents since I was a kid. We walked along the wooden slats that led to the beach until we reached the little gazebo. Holding her hand, I led her into the gazebo and we walked to the railing.
The ocean spread out before us, the moon full as it shimmered above the water. I pointed to a grouping of stars, and said, “That’s the little dipper. It was my mom’s favorite.”
She glanced up at me. “Did you come here with your mom?”
“All the time,” I said with a nod. “She loved it here.” Closing my eyes, I inhaled the salty air. “She would be so happy I brought you here.” Turning to face her, I placed my hands on her shoulders. “She would’ve loved you, Katia.”
Katia’s lips trembled as she tenderly cupped my jaw. “I would’ve loved to meet her; the woman who raised the man who taught me to believe in love again.”
Emotion swelled in my chest as I gazed into her glowing eyes.
“I love you with all my heart, Leo,” she said softly. “More than you’ll ever know.”
A ragged breath left my lungs as I rested my forehead against hers. Our lips met, entwining in a passionate kiss full of promise and hope.
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the small jewelry bag I’d placed in there before dinner. Untying the string, I opened it and lowered to one knee.
I lifted the ring, holding it between my thumb and forefinger as the diamond shined in the moonlight.
“My dad gave this ring to my mom forty-five years ago when he proposed. A few days before she passed, she gave it to me and asked me to save it for the woman who would be my wife. It’s been waiting for you since then, Katia, for all this time.”
She held her hands to her mouth, a sob escaping her lips as she stared down at me.
“I’ve accepted that I’ve probably been in love with you for a very long time, and I’m happy you finally caught up to me. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and I would be honored to be your husband. Please marry me so I can do my best to make you happy every day. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I love you so much, sweetheart.”