Page 70 of Just Desserts

She rolled her eyes but headed back up the stairs giving me just enough time to grab the bouquet of roses and the gift bag containing her real present that I had hidden in the pantry. I repositioned myself at the kitchen island just as I heard the stairs squeak with Isla's descent.

"Something smells delicious! I haveno idea what that could be. Myles, do you smell - what's that?!" Isla's teasing voice turned to surprise as she saw me standing there with the flowers and a gift bag.

I brought the bouquet over to her and watched as she shoved her face in the flowers to smell them. I took her in, from her messy ponytail and oversized shirt down to her slouchy socks.She lifted her face from the flowers, wearing a shy smile that I had never seen before. That look, this moment, touched a part of me I didn't know existed. I yanked her into my arms, startling her with a kiss. I pulled away just enough to cup her face in my hands, lifted my head to meet her questioning gaze.

"I love you." I told her. Unable to keep it inside anymore, unsure why I wanted to keep it to myself.

"As soon as I wake up, you're on my mind. When I close my eyes to sleep, all I can see is your face. I can't imagine my life, any life without you in it. I always want you to know how much you mean to me and how much it means to have you in my life. I'm sorry for the cliche timing but you should know Isla Graham, I no longer have a heart because it's in your hands." I watched as her eyes welled up with tears and I pulled her in for a hug, tucking her small form against my chest.

"You don't have to say anything in response, I just wanted you to know that you have me." I whispered into her hair. She sniffled before slapping my chest.

"Don't be an idiot, of course I love you too!" She scolded me and I couldn't help but laugh.

"I've never been happier and it's terrifying! It feels too fast but like I've known you my whole life. It's confusing and overwhelming and most definitely love." She continued, her anger turning to tears.

"Hey, hey are those happy tears?" I asked, a little confused.

"Yes, no, well both. I'm happy because you love me too but I'm scared because I'll never recover from you Myles."

"You won't have too. Listen to me, the one thing I can absolutely promise you is I will protect you from everything and everyone including myself. I never want to hurt you. I willnever cheat on you, I will never leave you, I will never lie to you. You mean everything to me, I would never recover if I caused you harm in any way."

The tears sliding down her cheeks were breaking my heart and I was going crazy trying to figure out what was going on in her head but at the same time I felt like my heart was singing. She loved me. Finally a huge smile broke out over her face as she pulled my forehead against hers.

"You mean everything to me too. I love you Myles Bennett."

"And I love you." I was overjoyed at finally being able to say that out loud. I tilted her head back to give her a kiss, tasting the salt from her tears. Getting lost in the moment I was furious as a loud knocking from the front of the house became intolerable.

"GO AWAY!" I yelled, uncaring of who it might be.

"Not a chance! It's my turn for time with Isla. We had an agreement Bennett!" Sarah's voice boomed through the thick wood door and I sighed, knowing that was a battle I wasn't prepared to fight. Isla gave a small giggle before slipping out of my arms.

"I gotta put clothes on!" She gasped running upstairs as I reluctantly went to let Sarah in. She waltzed past me and planted herself at the kitchen island, stealing a piece of bacon off the untouched tray still sitting there.

"Oooo breakfast in bed, roses and presents you went all out. What did you get her?" She asked, pointing at the gift bag.

"You know what I got her, you and Grams sent me a million links and pictures." I sighed before grabbing some plates so we could all dig in, making sure to put the best pieces on Isla's plate for when she got back downstairs.

"Yes but which link and picture did you go with?" She asked with a pointed look. Sarah had a knack for making you feel like a small child who knew they had done something wrong with just the rise of an eyebrow.

"The earrings, the long ones with the sapphires and diamonds." As soon as I saw them I knew Isla had to have them. Personally, I wanted to see her in the earrings and nothing else, just watch the lights refract and dance across her body. Shaking the image out of my mind I watched as Sarah gave a giddy clap.

"Yes! That was my pick. Grams really wanted that necklace but I knew it was too loud for Isla. Oh can she unwrap it once her hair is done! So she can put it on with the outfit and you get to see it all together?" Sarah asked, jumping out of the chair to dance in front of me.

"Please please please! It will be so worth it, let the entire vision come to life. I swear I'll do whatever you want!" She pleaded, as much as I wanted to see Isla's face as she opened the gift I comforted myself with the idea that after the conversation we just had, I had plenty more occasions to watch her reaction to jewelry I gave her.

"As long as Isla is okay with it..." I said then quickly tacked on "and I get an open IOU." I said, doing my best impersonation of Sarah's no nonsense face.

"Damn, that old biddy is teaching you her tricks. Fine. One IOU, let's shake on it." Thinking I had won, I reached my hand out right as Sarah spit on hers before reaching for mine. I yanked my hand out of reach and she cackled like a witch.

"Pussy." She said as she went to wash her hands at the sink before digging into one of the plates I had made. I put Isla's in the microwave for a minute and by the time she came backdown it was ready.

"You two okay down here?" She said, looking between Sarah and I.

"All good, your boyfriend refused to swap spit with me but he is letting me surprise you with your present later. Go team!" Sarah said before stuffing a large bite of breakfast into her mouth. Isla blinked a few times then shrugged good naturedly before digging into her plate.

"Don't look at me, you let her in." Isla said when she saw me standing there just watching the two women. Unable to help myself I leaned down to give Isla a kiss. I pulled away as Sarah made dramatic gagging sounds before sitting down at the table to finish breakfast.

Regardless of Sarah's intrusion, this had been a spectacular morning and the day could only go up from here. Tonight I got to show the woman I loved off in front of everyone. Knowing she loved me in return, only increased my already heightened emotions. I would make sure I was never undeserving of that love, I would treasure the gift that was Isla.

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