Starry-Eyed Love (Spark House)

“I wanted tonight to be special because I know today was a big day for you and your sisters. Come. There’s more.”

I keep step with him, and we make our way to his bedroom. More candles decorate all available surfaces, and on the ottoman at the end of the bed is a tray of fruits and a bottle of champagne chilling, two glasses waiting to be filled.

We stop just shy of the end of the bed and Jackson turns to face me. His fingertips skim my cheek. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

“Good. That’s good.” He nods and exhales a slow breath.

“Is everything okay?”

He gives me a small smile. “It should be.” He holds both of my hands in his. “I’ve spent a lot of years avoiding love because I’ve been afraid of what I stand to lose. And I know that we haven’t been together that long, but I also believe that when you know, you know. My parents loved each other so much, it was … hard to watch them losing each other. And for a very long time, I never wanted to love someone that much. It seemed too painful. But what I’ve learned is that loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I’ve already lost you once, so I know I don’t want that to happen again. But more than that, I don’t want to spend another day without you. I’ll take all the ups and downs that life throws my way, and I want nothing more than to have you at my side.” He drops to his knee, pulls a small box from his pocket, and flips it open. Inside is a beautiful star-shaped diamond set in platinum. “I promise to love you with my whole heart, for as long as it beats. Please, marry me, London.”

I bend and cup his cheek in my palm. “There is no better home for my heart than with you. Of course I’ll marry you.”

He slips the ring on my finger as our lips meet, that spark we share igniting and burning brighter than ever.

“Any kind of wedding you want, London, you can have. If you want to be princess for a day, you can, as long as you’re my queen for this life and whatever comes after.”