"And who are you?" she asked, her head tipped to the side.
She looked absolutely, achingly beautiful.
My throat was tight. "A good man. One who deserves everything he wants in life. Who knows he's absolutely worthy of everything he has and everything he desires."
She chuckled softly. "And what do you desire?"
"You, in my life, my bed. My present and my future."
She took a step toward me. "That's awfully cocky of you."
"I don't think I've been cocky enough in our relationship. I thought I had to keep this hidden." I gestured between us. "But I was wrong. Our relationship belongs in the light for everyone to see and celebrate."
Her lips twitched. "You have a way with words, but how do I know you're sincere?"
I stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "I'll prove it to you every day if you give me another chance."
Her eyes flashed with emotion.
"What do you say?" I asked as my heart beat harder.
Her forehead wrinkled. "You're not worried about what my brothers think anymore?"
"They said they supported our relationship." I'd keep the rest of the details to myself. "I just had to figure out what I wanted, and I have. I want you. Now and forever."
She tipped her chin up slightly. "You're in this for real this time? No more secrets? No more hiding out at home?"
"I want to take you out and show you off. I want to spend every moment that we're not working together. Now that I let you into my heart, I have so many things I want to do. So many things I want to show you."
She smiled. "Okay."
The relief flowed through my body, making my muscles weak. "Yeah?"
She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I swear I heard someone yell for us to kiss.
I grinned, not looking at the windows. "They're watching us, aren't they?"
"We should probably give them a show."
I was on board with that, so I dropped my lips to hers, hearing the cheers through the windows. I poured everything into that kiss, my promise to her that I'd love and protect her forever.
And when I finally lifted my head and looked into her eyes, I said, "I love you."
"And I love you. So much."
I lifted her and twirled her in a circle, and she let her head drop back, laughing. I couldn't believe that I'd gotten this lucky. I never would have thought that Aspen Sterling could be mine. But now the entire world was full of possibilities. I could have everything I ever wanted. I'd never take her for granted.
Epilogue
Aspen
"You look stunning," Bianca said as she moved around me. She'd chosen a silver dress that shimmered in the light and made me feel beautiful.
I turned to admire the back of the dress. "It's perfect."
I'd decorated the hall with tons of greenery and white and silver ornaments. There were so many trees in the hall; it felt like a forest. Cooper worked around the clock to finish the bathrooms in time for the dance.
Bianca finished her circle. "It doesn't need any more alterations."