“Oh. I love it. And I said yes, so back to kissing, please.” She rose up on her toes, looking hopeful.
I chuckled, gently eased her back to her feet, and took the box from her hand. Only my Sunny wouldn’t give a fig about the ring in the box. Most women wouldn’t even agree to getting married until they checked out the stone. I was pretty damn certain she was going to be pleased. I opened the lid and let her see the ring.
Her eyes widened as she stared at the cushion cut diamond, surrounded by two rows of tinier diamonds set in platinum. It twinkled and flashed white under the lights, reflecting all around the tent in its brilliance. Her hand flew to her mouth, tapping her lip in worry. “I can’t wear that in the bakery.”
“Not while you’re baking, no. But you can the rest of the time.” I pulled the ring from its cushion and took her hand. “May I?”
She nodded in silence, and I slipped on the ring, kissing her hand when I was done. “Perfect.”
She twisted her hand side to side, studying it. “It’s so beautiful.”
“So are you.”
She bit her lip in worry.
“I have something that will make you feel better.” From my pocket, I drew a set of thick platinum bands. Hers was so tiny it nestled within mine until I lifted it away. I liked the fact that my ring encircled hers. The way my love would encircle her from now on. “I want to see this with your ring, Sunny. I want you to promise once I put it on your finger, you’ll never take it off. I know you have to remove the diamond for work, but not this one. Promise me.”
“I promise.”
“And I want to see it on your finger, soon.”
She swallowed. “How soon?”
“I spoke with Hayley and Emily. They’re both good to fly in next week.”
“Next week?” she squeaked.
“The company that made our dinner is prepared to do it all over again for us—except on a slightly larger scale.”
“How many?”
I shrugged. “That’s up to you, Sunny. I only need you to be there. Gerry and Cindy, of course. Abby, Ned, and their plus ones. Whoever you want. The point is, if you’re willing, then we can be married fast.” I grinned at her. “I was patient and waited a month so this could all be in place. My patience is gone. I want to marry you.”
“Here?”
“Yes. A larger tent, some tables. We can get married under your trees. I’ll carve our names and dates in again.”
She studied me, a wide smile breaking out on her face. “I don’t know what to do with you, Lincoln Webber.”
“I guess you’d better marry me, then.”
Her smile became wider.
“Yes.”
I lifted her into my arms, swinging her around. I covered her mouth with mine, kissing her with everything in me. Love and relief. Gratitude that she had made my life brighter in our youth, and that she would be there beside me until I left this world.
I vowed to do everything in my power to make her happy. To let her know every single day how important she was to me.
We swam in the sensation of our kisses, the air morphing from celebration to something else. Something far less civilized, and far more profound.
I slid my hands up her arms, my fingers lingering on those flirty little bows. I cupped her neck, continuing to kiss her as my fingers reached, tugging at the sexy ribbons. Laughing, Sunny pulled away, walking backward until she was in the corner. She winked and pulled sharply on a bow. It opened, her dress slipping down her soft skin, her breast beginning to peek out at me.
“You want to do the other?”
“No,” I replied, my voice hoarse. “I’m enjoying the view.”
Her gaze traveled to my crotch. My erection strained against the material. She grinned as I shrugged off my jacket, letting it fall to the floor.
“Why do I see another walk of shame coming up?” she asked, teasing the second bow.
“No shame,” I disagreed. “I’m going to make love to my fiancée until she screams my name. I’m going to be plenty proud of that fact.” I unfastened my trousers, pushing them off my legs.
“Your shirt,” she insisted.
I tugged it over my head and stood before her, my chest heaving in anticipation. She tilted her head and gave a tug.
That dress, that damn sexy, teasing slip of a dress, dropped to the ground, leaving Sunny bare to my eyes except for the tiny wisp of lace between her legs.
That was going to be easily taken care of, and I didn’t plan on it being there very long.
She opened her arms, and I went willingly.Once she was in my embrace, the hot roar of lust dissipated, and all I wanted was to do exactly what I said—make love to her. She was mine—now and forever. Nothing would separate us again.