“I am. This horse is beautiful. And I have a gorgeous hunk straddled behind me!”
He laughed and kissed her on the cheek as she relaxed into him.
She enjoyed the sunshine on her face as they rode for the next ten minutes, walking out further into the hotel’s secluded grounds – away from the family and wedding celebrations. Then, as they turned a corner, Samira saw a clearing of grass, where someone had placed an iron table and chairs – upon which was a bottle of Champagne and nibbles. There was a picnic rug on the ground nearby, and Samira realized with grateful joy that Ivan had organized all this for her. What a gorgeous guy…
It was stunning out here. A lake ran through this section of the grounds – the trickle of which was the only sound – other than the gentle birdsong from the trees on the outskirts of the nearby wood.
Ivan gently tugged the reins and the horse halted, then they both dismounted.
She didn’t know what else to say. “This is amazing, Ivan.”
“You’re amazing, sweetheart. You more than deserve to feel special.”
He gestured for her to take a seat on one of the chairs, so she sat down and gazed up at him as he remained standing. Her heart thumped with delight as he sunk to his knees at her feet.
“Ivan, what are you doing?”
He held her hands. “Samira, I know we’re doing everything the wrong way round, but somehow I love it. We’re already married, but my proposal back in Texas wasn’t worthy of your greatness.” He delved in his suit trouser pocket, revealing a velvet jewelry box, which he opened, and Samira gasped as her eyes fell on a silver engagement ring, set with the biggest and most sparkling diamond she’d ever seen. “Will you marry me?”
She burst into laughter. “Yes!”
They both stood up and he picked her up and spun her around, kissing her and smiling with joy.
“I didn’t think anything could top the happiness I felt when I married you,” she said, as he placed her down. “But today I’m even happier.”
“Me too,” he said. “Come on, let’s sit by the water and enjoy the peace while we can.”
They sat on the dry grass by the crystal stream and Ivan wrapped his arms around her. Samira breathed in the beautiful scenery – the blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and the green trees of the surrounding woodland. She loved the tranquility here – it was like an oasis of calm – a private universe just for them.
She gazed into his eyes. “Everything’s perfect in my life now… I just need my passport back, then I can apply for my visa to stay here with you.”
“Don’t worry – I’ll get your passport back, no matter what.” He winced. “God…”
“Is there something wrong?”
“It’s just that…” he sighed. “When I was shopping with Clara earlier she said she really likes you…”
“Well, that’s good, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, but she also thinks you’re too naïve and trusting. She said you’ll get in trouble again if you don’t toughen up and start being more suspicious of people like Langdon.”
“Oh…”
“But, the thing is, sweetheart, I don’t think you should change. You’re perfect just the way you are. Always keep that innocent spark, won’t you?”
She smiled. “I did what I did with Langdon out of desperation – I want to stay in this country so badly, and I needed to protect Quin. But as for being too trusting… well, maybe I do give my heart away too easily – I run off and get married in Las Vegas and I fall in love with gorgeous hunks. But I like the way I am. I like seeing the good in people – to trust them and give them the benefit of the doubt. It makes my life more pleasant, you know?”
“I know. And I think you’re perfect.”
“Well, that’s good, because I think that about you too. It must be fate!”
He chuckled, then gestured toward the lake. “Wanna go skinny dipping?”
She burst into laughter. “Ivan, I can’t swim.”
“I’ll take care of you.”
“What if your family sees us?”