One Night with Prince Charming (Aristocratic Grooms 2)

She’d dreamt of receiving one—from him.

And yet…and yet…

“Wh-what about Michelene?” she couldn’t resist asking.

Hawk’s lips twitched. “Usually a man doesn’t expect a marriage proposal to be met with a question of its own.”

“Usually the woman concerned hasn’t been ex

pecting him to propose to someone else.”

“Touché, but there isn’t anyone else,” he responded. “Michelene decided not to attend today after it became clear she could no longer have the expectation of becoming a Carsdale bride.”

“Oh, Hawk.” Pia’s voice caught on a sob as she grasped the tiara and lowered it to her side. “I—I l-love you—” she watched as Hawk’s face brightened “—and I want to marry you. B-but…”

“No buts.” Hawk slid the ring on her finger, and then rose and, taking the tiara from her, placed it on a nearby table.

He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply, quieting her upset.

When he raised his head, Pia swallowed hard.

“I’m not fit to be a duchess.”

“I disagree,” he said tenderly. “Where else does the heroine of a fairy tale belong but in a palace?”

“Oh, Hawk,” she said again. “I have lived a fairy tale. Not because you’re proposing that I be your duchess, but because this was a test of character. After I found out about Michelene, I considered continuing an affair until you were officially engaged. But then I realized I couldn’t do it. I loved you too much, and I wanted all of you.”

His eyes sparked like brown and green flames. “You have all of me. My heart and soul.”

“Your mother won’t be pleased.”

“My mother wants to see me happy,” he contradicted. “She and my father had a happy marriage, unlike those of some of their ancestors.”

“I’m not conventional duchess material.”

He shook his head. “You are in character, if not background.”

“But you’re eminently responsible these days,” she protested.

Hawk smiled. “Then I suppose it’s time for me to follow Lucy in her rebellion. You know, as of today, my mother already has one American in-law.”

“So far you’ve managed to shoot down every good reason I have for not getting married.”

“That’s because there are no good reasons.” Hawk touched her cheek. “Pia, do you love me?”

She nodded. “I do.”

“And I love you desperately. That’s all that matters.”

Their lips met, their bodies drawing together.

When they finally broke apart again, Hawk raised her hand. “This ring is one of the Carsdale family jewels. I didn’t want to make a proposal empty-handed, but we can get you something you like better if you prefer.”

Pia shook her head. “No, the ring’s perfect.”

“We got a second chance.”

She smiled, though she remained misty-eyed. “I’m glad.”