She didn’t look convinced.
“Look at it as an investment then. I’m investing in your business. I could be your angel investor.” I smiled, hoping she’d see me as her angel. She was definitely mine.
“I want to pay you back. Everything you put into the business; I want to pay back.”
I nodded. “If that’s what you want, but…” I looked down, as nerves and doubt crept in. Her resistance made me wonder if I was asking too much too soon from her. But I’d promised her and myself I wouldn’t hold back my feelings or desires.
I took her hand and with my other hand, I reached into my pocket. Then I lowered on one knee.
Her eyes widened. Her free hand covered her mouth in surprise.
“I’ve always liked you, Anne, even when I acted like an ass. I knew you were special from the moment I met you. I didn’t understand that at first, and so I was a jerk much of the time. I hope you can forgive me for that because you’re the only woman for me. I’m a better man because of you and I can’t wait to have this child with you. The only thing that would make life perfect is if you’d agree to marry me.” I held up the platinum diamond ring.
“Bran.” Her eyes filled with tears.
“Will you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?”
Her head nodded, but it wasn’t until she said the word, “Yes,” that I let myself celebrate. I slipped the ring on her finger and stood, pulling her into my arms and kissing her.
“I love you, Anne. So fucking much.”
“You spoil me, Bran.”
“That’s my job. Speaking of spoiling, we're having a wedding to rival the royals.”
She laughed. “I don’t need that.”
“You deserve it.”
“They take a long time to plan and I’d rather marry you sooner.”
I considered that. “You have a point. We get married soon, but also, in lavish style. I want to rub it in everyone’s faces at how lucky I am.”
“They’ll think I married you for your money.”
I pulled her close. “You’ve given me something that money can’t buy. Love and family. Let the others think what they want. They don’t matter. All that matters is you and me and this baby.”
“I’m still giving the money back.”
I looked into her lovely gray eyes. “What’s mine is yours, Anne. Too bad for you, you’re filthy rich now.”
“The truth is I want to marry you for your chef. The man’s crème brulee is to die for.”
I laughed, loving this woman so much my chest ached.
I kissed her. Firmly. Thoroughly.
I started this journey wanting to have someone in my life to love. I thought that would be a child, but it turned out what I needed, who I craved, was Anne.
With her, I had all the happiness I could ever imagine having.