“It’s fine. It’s me,” Diego said.
“Did you really have to make that sound?” Belle asked.
“Yes, I did.”
“You scared me,” Charlotte said.
“You do realize you could have slept in beds, right?”
“Of course we did. We fell asleep,” Belle said.
“I don’t care. Sit. Sit,” he said, urging Charlotte to sit down.
“What is it?” Belle asked.
“I’ve got news.”
“Good news?” Charlotte asked.
“Yes, don’t keep interrupting,” he said. “Angelo has been dealt with. He won’t be a problem anymore.”
“That’s good,” Belle said. “Right? He was a problem?”
“Yes. He tried to set a trap for me in your apartment.”
Belle placed a hand to her chest. “My apartment?”
“Yes.”
“Asshole,” she said.
“I also spoke with Durante,” he said.
Charlotte leaned forward.
“We’re not getting married.”
Charlotte threw her arms up, letting out a cheer. “Yes, yes, I knew you could do it.”
“We’re going into business together. We drafted up an agreement, shared it with The Boss, and it means our wedding won’t be taking place.”
“I’m so happy right now,” Charlotte said, holding Belle close and hugging her tight.
“Yeah, I still need to breathe. Why do I feel there’s a catch coming on? You’ve given us all the good news. There is always a catch. Always something bad.”
Charlotte looked to him.
“There is. The first, you can continue your education, but your father has agreed on one condition.”
“What?” Charlotte asked.
“He picks the college.”
Charlotte groaned. “He’s going to pick one I hate.”
“But at least you still get to go to college. Look on the plus side. Up until a couple of minutes ago, you were getting married to a guy you didn’t love, for the sake of your womb. I’d say that’s a step up.”
“You know what? You’re right. I’m so happy still. I don’t care. I’ll make it work,” Charlotte said, looking happier than he’d ever seen her before. “There’s more?”
“The wedding is still going on,” Diego said, looking at Belle. “The woman has changed.”
“What? You’re having to marry someone else?” Belle asked.
He went down on one knee, looking at the woman that had completely made him feel whole again, when he didn’t think it was possible.
“Yes. I’ve got to marry a woman. She’s so freaking stubborn, and annoying, and if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be kneeling on this floor right now. The odds have already been stacked against us. Her father hates me. When we get her a dog, he will probably hate me, or she. I don’t think I like the idea of another man being in her life.”
“Diego, are you doing what I think you’re doing?”
“Belle, baby, I’m down on one knee. The Boss said a wedding has to happen, and seeing as you own my heart and soul, what better person to marry than you?”
“You want to marry me?”
“Yes.”
“But I might not be pregnant.”
“I don’t care. When you do, you will already belong to me.”
“This is so exciting. She totally loves the chocolate and salted caramel frosting. We’ve got to get her fitted for a wedding dress. We’ve got, like, two weeks to get everything organized. Knowing this will be your wedding makes it all so much easier for me.” Charlotte got to her feet. “There’s so much to do.”
“Wait a minute. I want to hear Belle tell me her answer.”
“Of course she is going to accept. She has to accept.”
“Why do I have to?” Belle asked.
“Because, you two love each other. It’s so clear to anyone who sees you. Diego’s a mean asshole, but he looks like a big cuddly teddy bear around you. You must say yes.”
“Charlotte, get out.” He didn’t need his ex-fiancée to scare away his current one. He wanted this to work, and right now, Belle looked like she wanted to throw up. It wasn’t the idea he was going for.
“But?”
“Nope, get out,” he said.
“I could help.”
“You can help when I say you can. Get out. I’ve already gotten you something out of this. Please, leave.”
Charlotte didn’t put up another argument, turning on her heel and leaving him to talk with Belle.
“You want to get married to me?” Belle asked.
“I do. I want you to have my name. I know I lied when we met. I’m not just a nightclub owner. You don’t know how many times I wanted to tell you the truth, but I was afraid.”
“You’re admitting to me again you’re afraid.”
“I can’t lose you.”
“Diego,” she said, putting her hang to his cheek. “You will never lose me.”
“You’re going to marry me?”
“Yes. Of course.” Belle laughed. “I told you, I don’t share.”
He picked her up in his arms, slamming his lips down on hers. “I’m taking you to bed.”
“Diego?”
“Nope, I’m not listening to any other complaint right now. I’m taking you to bed, and I’m making love to you, then fucking you.”
He held her close as he walked out of the movie room.
Charlotte was waiting, and he shook his head. “Are you going to get her ready to go out? I want to take her shopping for dresses.”