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Connor

Only a weekhas gone by since the dinner with her parents.

Mary’s reaction was priceless. The shock on her face, the way her cheeks flushed pink. I could tell she was torn between wanting to kiss me and wanting to slap me. But when we slipped away to talk privately, everything fell into place.

She actually said yes. I still can’t believe it.

Her family’s reaction was mixed, to say the least. I’ll never forget the purse-lipped glower her mother aimed at me as if I were some cockroach sullying her pristine home. She just needs time. Some incentives.

Richard, on the other hand, beamed, clearly delighted at the prospect of his daughter settling down with someone he approved of.

I send a quick text to Mary, letting her know I’ve arrived.

Connor: I’m outside.

Mary: Be rightdown!

I retrieve the box containing the engagement ring I had painstakingly selected for her. A modest yet elegant piece set with a sapphire stone, its color matching her eyes perfectly.

Understood. That’s how I felt the first time I noticed those eyes, deep and endless like ocean waves crashing over me. I want to drown in them.

I went through her jewelry collection multiple times, noting her preference for minimal and understated gold pieces—nothing too flashy or ostentatious. Unless she’s meeting her mother, of course, in which case she opts for more luxurious statement necklaces and gemstone earrings. I understand her need to meet certain familial expectations, but this ring is for her, not her mother.

This is it. The official start of forever with Mary.

The buzz of my phone snaps me out of my thoughts, and I carefully tuck the ring box into my jacket pocket.

Mary: Which outfit would you prefer?

A grin tugs at my lips. There are two pictures of Mary, one of her dressed in a skirt and a sweater and the other in a dress, with a question mark emoji beside each photo.

Both versions are beautiful, but only one truly embodies her essence. She has a style of her own, effortlessly chic and stylish without seeming like she’s trying too hard.

Connor: The first one.

Mary: Thank God! That’s what I wanted to wear.

My father won’t care one bit about her outfit. All he’ll see is the woman who makes his son happy, who fills the void inside of me in a way I never thought possible again.

I scramble out of the car to meet Mary, who emerges from the front entrance. Without saying a word, I pull her close and give her a kiss. She lets out a soft gasp, and I plunge my tongue into her mouth, my hands tangling in her hair.

When will I ever get enough of her?

That’s right.

Never.

Mary’s cheeks are flushed, and her lips are kiss-swollen. Pride surges through me at being the one who can reduce her to this.

“What was that for?” she asks.

“I missed you.” It’s the truth. Every second we’re apart feels like an eternity now.

“We saw each other yesterday.”

“So? A day without you is a day too long.” I nuzzle my nose against hers, stealing another quick kiss.

She pushes me back. “I want to look put together when I meet your father, not like I was just ravaged by a barbarian.”

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