She ran her tongue over her lips. “Why didn’t you say anything?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Because I didn’t want to make you choose between Miami and your life and family … and me. And I think a part of me was petrified you’d turn me down.”
She shook her head hard. “Never,” she whispered.
“In case you’re worried I feel pressured into this or stuck, you should know that I don’t. I’m desperate to make you my wife.”
He held out the ring he’d picked out, having called her mother and asked for a guesstimation of Sienna’s ring size.
Once he decided to ask her, he wanted his ring on her finger the minute she said yes.
The three-carat emerald-cut stone with tiny individual halo diamonds surrounding it and covering the band glittered in his hand. “Sienna, will you marry me? Be my better half for the rest of my life? For better, for worse, in sickness and in health … and in New York,” he added for ultimate clarification.
She laughed, tears streaming from her eyes as she said, “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger, pleased it fit and she could wear it from now on. Then he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers, tasting the salt on her lips and drinking in her sweet essence.
“Knock knock.” Sebastian walked into the room. “Sorry to interrupt but I couldn’t stand it a second longer. I’m so damned sorry. I didn’t know you were home when I spoke–”
“Why don’t you quit while you’re ahead,” Sienna suggested, laughing and holding out her now ringed hand. “Especially since we’re going to be related.”
God, Ethan loved this woman and her easygoing approach to life. She rolled with the punches, something she’d need if she was going to be married to him. And have his kids.
“I want more than one kid,” he heard himself say. Unplanned and taking him off guard.
She grinned. “Good because so do I.”
“Does this mean I’m forgiven?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes,” Sienna said.
“Now get the hell out.” Ethan waved his brother away.
Taking the hint, Sebastian stepped out and pulled the door closed behind him.
* * *
“Mind if I get up?” Ethan asked from his kneeling position. “My knees are cramping.” He rose and climbed into bed with her, pulling her into his arms. “I love you. I just wish I’d said it before and more often.”
Sienna’s heart beat with pure joy and happiness. “I’m just glad you’re saying it now and will forever. That works for me because I love you too. So much.”
Ethan loved her. He wanted her to come and live in New York with him. It was everything she’d ever wanted and never thought she’d have.
He slid her nightshirt up and, from behind, placed his palm against her belly. “I love you, Sienna,” he said again. “You’re giving me you. You’re giving me a family. All things I never thought I’d have. Thank you, sweetheart.”
He pressed his lips against her neck, his thick erection gliding along her back. She knew what he wanted but his brother was in the other room.
Good thing they had a lifetime to be together whenever they wanted.
Epilogue
Babies, babies, and more babies.
Sienna held her baby girl in her arms.
Elizabeth.
Lizzy, named after Ethan’s mother, was the perfect combination of both her parents, with a head of black hair like her daddy. Sienna had gone back to blonde and she had to admit the upkeep was a lot easier. And though Ethan had fallen in love with her with dark hair, he had a thing for her blonde locks. Her lower body was in no mood to think about his reaction the day he’d first seen her with lighter hair … but if she hadn’t already been pregnant? Yeah, he’d have been potent that day.
She grinned at her sweet little baby.
And Ethan snapped another picture with his phone.
Sienna’s family had flown to New York a few days after she’d given birth and they’d walked through her apartment one by one, each holding Lizzy, cooing at the baby, and to Sienna’s pleasure, making nice with her husband.
Yep, her husband.
Sienna and Ethan had married in Miami, with the entire family present. All, that is, but Robert Dare, who had disappeared with his mistress. They thought he’d gone to Barbados, at least that’s what his secretary had let slip, but nobody was sure. Nor did they care.
What made Sienna’s wedding day even better? Her half siblings had finally embraced her mother. It was like their father’s affair had solidified placing the blame for everything on his shoulders. Had Savannah made a mistake staying involved with Robert once she’d known he was married? Yes, but they were all ready to let past hurts go.
The Dare and Knight families had babies galore these days. Ethan’s sister had had a little girl they named Jillian, Parker’s wife, Emily, had a boy named Roscoe after her mother, Riley had her girl, Gracie, and now Ashley was pregnant. Added to the rest of the children and Christmas was going to be awesome next year.