Page 154 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“I'm sorry I didn't go with you when we were younger. I was so scared. I didn't ever feel brave enough to come along.”

“That's not important now, baby.”

I smiled weakly. “I know. I just wanted to say that.”

“I'm sorry I left you behind. That's never happening again.”

“I believe you.”

“Now that you'll be my wife, I'm taking you everywhere.”

I smirked playfully. “Even to the bathroom?”

He laughed heartily. “Yes, darling. Even to the bathroom. Why not?”

“I'm just kidding. I don't want to dothatmuch.”

“But the point is that I always want you with me. I'm never going to leave you in the dark. I'm never going to make a decision that you haven't also weighed in on. My life is yours.”

I sniffled. “Do you really mean that?”

“Yes, darling. I really mean that. This ring means I belong to you. I'm yours. Forever.”

I stood up on my toes to kiss him. My heart was beating so fast that I thought I might faint. Max nudged into me again and I kept my hand on his snout, trying to get him to calm down. I pulled from the kiss laughing.

“Max is concerned.” I dropped to my knees to hug him. “Hey, I'm okay. Thank you for doing such a good dog, boy.”

“He's just making sure.”

“I know. He's being so good. I just don't want him to worry.”

“Well, you'll be comforted in no time.”

I stood up while still patting Max's head. “What makes you say that?”

Levon pointed across the beach back to the condo. I followed his gesture and found our family—both my family and his family—standing on the porch together. They cheered when we looked in their direction.

I gasped. “What?!”

“I also hired a photographer. He's hiding somewhere around here.”

I searched the beach for a man with a camera and found him. He waved and I waved back while laughing.

“How did you pull this off? I'm the one who is the event planner!”

He cackled. “Hey, I can pull off surprises pretty well.”

I took his hand. “Well, I can see that now. I might have to hire you for a few jobs.”

He winked. “You promise?”

“Of course.”

He tugged me back toward the condo. Max bounced around us, picking up the high energy of the surprise. As we approached our families, they cheered again. I was overwhelmed with affection as soon as I reached the porch. I could hardly walk up the steps before getting attacked by hugs.

Levon's parents embraced me first. His mother lifted my hand to admire the ring, showing it to her husband.

“A fine band,” he commented. “He took my advice, I see.”

---