“Bryce, what—”
“I love you,” he says, and people start to gather around to watch the scene unfold. “We met in Mexico, and I know it is fate that brought you to me. I don’t think having you as a student was a chance but destiny. I don’t care if I get fired or lose my job. I want to be with you.” He opens the box and a huge diamond ring shines back at me. It has a rose gold band and setting, but the diamond itself is alone, a big solitaire that looks like it will take up my entire finger. “Will you marry me in Mexico?”
My mouth drops open. I look around to see dozens of students watching and girls with big smiles on their face. Charlie is to the right and she gives me a thumbs up, but I know she’s going to want all the details.
“But my dad—”
“I don’t care,” he says. “My dad tore us apart and I’m sorry. He isn’t a part of my life anymore. He has been arrested. I’ll tell you everything later but be my wife. Travel with me, love me, start a family with me. I want you, Abby. Forever.”
“You’re serious?” I know I should have said yes by now but a part of me is thinking I’m dreaming. This is perfect. “Really?” I start to get emotional and take a step forward.
“Really. I don’t want to be a secret. I want to tell the world. I want to show the world that I love you. I’m proud to call you mine, Abby from the West side of Oak Valley,” he smirks at our inside joke. “I don’t want Jessica from Vegas. I want you,” he says. “So marry me. Make me the happiest man in the world by saying yes. I’m going to whisk you away to Cancun tonight and tomorrow, you’re going to be my wife.”
“So quick?”
“I don’t want to waste another minute being away from you. I want to spend every moment knowing you’re mine.”
The crowd awe’s at his admission.
“Yes!” I say, finally snapping out of my stupor. “Yes, I’ll marry you!” I shout and throw my arms around his neck, tackling him to the ground. Snow hits me in the face, but the love I have for him warms me from the inside out. I steal the ring from his hand and slip it on my finger. It must be four carats. It’s huge. “Wow,” I say.
“Only the best for my future wife,” he says.
The crowd cheers as we lean in for a kiss at the same time. It’s slow and meaningful. We pour every ounce of love we have for one another into it.
“I’m so sorry for not believing you. It will never happen again—?
?
“—Shh, it’s okay. I know how it looked. I’m glad you came to your senses though.”
He lifts me up and carries me to the fire where we can warm up since our clothes are wet from the snow. “I hope you and your sister move into the mansion and don’t mind that my mom and Holly stay. I want to take care of them. They deserve it.”
“Really? You want me to move in?”
“Well, yeah. I want my wife by my side. It would be weird if you weren’t,” he chuckles.
“I’ll go anywhere you want me to, Bryce. I want to start a life with you.”
“Bryce Marshall!” The Dean of the school marches onto the lawn.
“Oh no,” I mumble.
“Yeah, I resigned this morning after I found out I’m a billionaire. I didn't need the job before, but I really don’t need it now. Only you.”
“What?” I screech.
“We will talk about it more on the plane,” he says. He lifts my hand and yells, “We’re getting married!”
Everyone cheers again, and I laugh from everyone being excited for me. I never thought this time would come, but I’m so damn glad it did.
“You ready to be Mrs. Abigale Marshall from Oak Valley?” he asks, kissing the tip of my nose.
I’m ready. I’ve been ready.
Mexico, here I come!
Cruel Temptations