Page 144 of The Exception

“Don’t you worry that they’ll suspect you’re still pulling the strings, just working behind the scenes?”

“Not if I’m in a completely different role. And if I were no longer the CEO or an SVP, we could relocate here permanently. As soon as the change goes through.”

“What?” I shrieked.

“I love the château, and I love our life here. It’s fulfilling in a way that running the Huxley brand hasn’t been for a long time. It was as if I was using my role as CEO and my quest to defend my grandparents’ legacy to fill the void of losing them.”

“Wow. That’s…” I tried to ignore the sting of oncoming tears. “That’s intense but powerful.”

“It was. Both. And it helped me realize some other things as well.”

And this was why I loved this man. I was so proud of him. He no longer held in his thoughts and his feelings; he shared them freely with me. He trusted me. We were partners in every sense of the word.

When I looked at him, I realized then how light he seemed. How unburdened. As if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.

“But they also wanted the company to evolve. They’d want me to evolve. New leadership brings fresh perspectives. And Jasper has always had great ideas.”

“And Sloan?” I asked.

“She’s not at a point that she would want to take on that role. Maybe someday, but right now, she wants to focus on her health and her growing family.”

I found myself relaxing, secure in the knowledge that Graham was making the best decision for himself. Not just for us.

“I’m glad you love the château as much as I do. It’s a big reason why I’ve been wanting to add your name to the deed.”

His eyes flashed to mine. “You have?”

I nodded. “I spoke to Pierce about the legalities, and he assured me it was fine.”

Graham knelt to the ground.

“What are you doing?” I asked, glancing around to see if anyone was watching, but the parking lot was empty.

“I have a proposal.”

“Oh yeah?” I arched an eyebrow. “Let me guess. You want to help me. We’ll help each other,” I teased, paraphrasing his suggestion from that first night in Ixtapa when he’d asked me to marry him.

“Mm.” He grinned, and it lit me up inside. “Something like that.”

“This isn’t a negotiation.” I rolled my eyes, but it was playful.

“I know.” His expression turned solemn. “It’s a relationship. And in a relationship, there’s give-and-take. And Lily—” he gripped my chin “—make no mistake. My love for you comes with no conditions or expectations. And I promise to spend every day for the rest of my life proving that to you. Will you be my wife? My partner? My friend?”

A tear streaked down my cheek. He didn’t have to say it; Iknewit in the very fabric of my soul.

Now, there was nothing but love between us. No contracts. No agreements.

I still couldn’t quite believe he was stepping down as CEO. Moving to the château to help me fulfill my dreams—our dreams, I reminded myself. I had a feeling Auntie Jackie would’ve approved.

I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “Of course I will. And you don’t have anything to prove. I already know you love me.”

“Sans cesse.” He kissed me gently, with great tenderness. “Toujours.”

“À tout jamais,”I said as he swiped a tear from my cheek.

My husband.I smiled to myself. Somehow, I’d known it all along. My heart had led me to him before my brain could catch up. But now, everything was on the same page. My mind, body, heart, and soul.

Graham and I were going to live life on our terms. And I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store for us. If the past few months were anything to go by, a lot of dust but also a lot of passion too. We were partners, and I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else.

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