Scandal and the Runaway Bride (Heirs to an Empire 1)

“I should have done it earlier. I should have spoken up the night before when everyone was being so awful. I didn’t stand up for you, Gabi, so I can hardly blame you for doubting me.”

She touched his hand and her fingers shook against his. “I was so afraid. That evening was so hard. And then Stephen... It hit on a weakness and I was already vulnerable. I should have been stronger for you, like you were for me. I’m so sorry, Will. Sorry I ran instead of staying for us to work it out like I said I would.”

“If Stephen hadn’t—”

“No,” she interrupted. “That’s my fault, not your brother’s. The truth is, I’m stronger than I realized and a good deal of that is due to you. I hope you...” She cleared her throat. “I hope you forgive me.”

“Of course I forgive you. I love you.”

“Oh, Will, I love you, too. I’m so sorry I was such a fool.”

Will no longer cared about scandals or paparazzi or public displays of affection. Right now, the only thing that mattered was the woman in front of him, and he cupped his hands around her face and kissed her, the ache in his chest replaced by a sweetness he’d never known.

She was here. She still loved him. Charlotte and Bella had done their part, and now it was his turn. He looked over his shoulder at his mother, standing ten feet behind him and smiling. Another look around showed Christophe and Lizzy next to Bella and Charlotte. The only one missing was Stephen, and for that Will found he was a bit sad.

But the time was right. He felt it in his heart.

“Gabi?”

“What is it?”

He took her hand in his. “I love you, you know that, right?”

She nodded, her eyes warm and affectionate.

“And we’ve already shown we can make it through high-pressure situations.”

She laughed then. “Oh, one or two. Never mind the pictures that will probably be online in about five seconds because you kissed me in a public ballroom.”

He reached inside his pocket and took out a box. It was white satin with black trim around it, the classic Aurora packaging. It had taken him three hours to decide on the one he wanted, and his heart beat frantically in his chest at what he was about to do. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me? Because I don’t think I can do this alone anymore.”

He opened the box and inside was nestled a stunning oval engagement ring with channel-set diamonds on either side.

For three whole, torturous seconds, Gabi stood with her hand over her mouth in stunned surprise.

And then her arms were around his neck as she hugged him close. “Oh,” she cried softly. “Oh, William. I didn’t expect this.”

“Is that a yes?” His arms tightened around her.

“Yes.” She let him go and moved back enough that she could look up at him. Her eyes were wet with tears but her lips were smiling. “Yes. But please, can we not get married in the Chatsworth chapel?”

He laughed. “Deal.” And then he took the ring out of the box and slid it over her finger as a cheer went up from the crowd.

“This is so not going to be discreet,” she lamented.

“This time, I don’t give a damn.” He kissed her hand. “I love you and I don’t care who knows it.”

The

y spent a few minutes accepting congratulations from the family, and others who seemed more curious than anything. Finally Gabi pulled on his sleeve. “I should call Mama and Papa and tell them the news,” she said. “They both thought I was crazy for leaving you, anyway.”

“Of course.”

She was just about to head to a quieter spot when he tugged on her fingers. “Gabi? We won’t set a date until we’re sure your father can walk you down the aisle. In Italy. The wedding will be in your home.” Then he thought of the villa, and how they’d truly fallen in love in Italy, and he added, “In our home.”

And when she walked away to share the good news, he knew all the missing pieces suddenly fit together.

* * *