I gulped.
My brain had stopped working, turning to mush. My tongue and lips were paralyzed, leaving me speechless. The only part of my body that still seemed to function was my heart. It was beating so fast and hard, I thought it would burst out of my chest at any moment.
Could Mason hear it?
Could he feel my excitement, the way love poured through my veins?
That handsome face moved closer to mine and as I stared at that square jaw and the sharply chiseled cheekbones, there was only one answer.
I loved this man.
I loved him more than anything else in the world.
And yes, I wanted to marry him – to be his wife – to be the girl forever on his arm.
He already owned my heart and soul.
No words came, my eyes filled with tears, but my nod and smile, the way I squeezed his hands, were answer enough.
And victory exploded in those blue eyes.
“Yes baby,” he rasped. “Yes, you’re mine.”
And with that, it was done. He leaned forwards, catching my lips with his, pulling my curvy form close with passion, wonder, and love all rolled into one. We kissed until my lungs burned, desperate for air.
But I didn’t care.
This was right. If I died at this moment, I’d enter heaven the happiest girl in the world. His soul claimed mine, marking me, branding me with that unmistakable imprint forever.
Because I belong to the alpha.
It’s right and true, and no force could stop us. I imbued my kiss with my feelings, the passion overwhelming, arcing to merge in a burning bright flame.
Eventually, however, he pulled away, that gorgeous mien lit with a smile that glowed like a midnight star.
“Laney,” he growled, “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
I smiled back, happiness rushing through my every vein. In that moment, even flight was possible, my soul soaring through the heavens.
“Me too, Mason. Woman, I mean,” was my soft laugh. And staring into those blue eyes, I said everything that mattered. “We’ll figure out a way to get you out of prison,” was my promise. “We’ll figure everything out one step at a time, together. That’s how things work.”
The dark man nodded, swallowing heavily as those blue eyes looked away for a moment.
Oh my god, was Mr. Evercore going to cry?
But no. It was just a swell of overwhelming emotion, that big chest rising and falling as he breathed deep, our union already complete even if there was no church or priest. We were saying our sacred vows right now, here in the confines of the library.
“Yes, sweetheart,” he rumbled, pulling me close to nestle against that broad chest. “Forever.”
“Forever,” I echoed, my voice muffled against his hardness. “Forever, my love.”
And with that, we kissed again, our lips touching with understanding, with promises, and so much more. A life unfolded, one where we’d be together, walking the unknown hand in hand.
I pulled away, resting my head on his shoulder for a moment. This was the perfect spot. Molded together, listening to his heartbeat until the end of time.
Mason Evercore as my husband.
Me as Mrs. Laney Evercore.
It was right and real. The way things were meant to be, angels singing at the gates.
And the alpha felt the same. Ducking that dark head, he kissed me again, even hotter than before, plundering my depths.
“Yes, sweetheart,” came that low growl. “Together forever.”
But then that big male form pulled away for a moment, blue eyes troubled.
“What is it?” I implored, reaching out to place one small palm flat over his heart. “What’s wrong?”
His head ducked down, unable to meet my eyes.
“I don’t have a ring,” came that low growl, before those blue eyes snapped up once more, meeting mine. “But as soon as I get out, I’ll buy you a huge rock. It’ll shine so bright that people will see you from a mile away.” He ran his fingers through my hair before tucking a strand behind my ear. “But in the meantime, I got you this,” came his hoarse voice.
And slowly, the big man reached into his jumper and pulled out a small piece of braided yarn. It was a golden color, clumsily woven. Carefully, he tied it around my left ring finger with trembling hands.
“I know it’s not much sweetheart,” he rasped hoarsely, “but I want you to wear something that’ll show the world that you belong to me. I’m so sorry it’s not more.”
I shivered, looking down at the golden circlet, our hands joined.
I was his.
I belonged to him.
I could hardly believe it. I was Mason Evercore’s fiancée. This sort of thing only happened in the movies…
And with emotion in my eyes, I looked at my lover, tears brimming.
“Thank you,” was my soft whisper. “It means more to me than any diamond could because you made it, Mason. I’ll wear it with pride,” was my promise, leaning forwards to kiss him once again.