Page 237 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

“Don’t worry. Rad and Tealey are in on the plan.”

My gaze whips to them, and they grin.

Aw. I have the best friends.

When I turn back to Jackson, I didn’t expect to see him getting emotional, but he can’t hide his feelings in his eyes. They give him away. He says, “The first time I saw you, you were the hottest . . . most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. Even now, you steal my breath away. But it wasn’t your looks that made me triphead over feelsfor you. It was your heart—so open and pure. Brave and kind. You may hide behind your lookssometimes, but you can’t hide who you are on the inside. I’m just the guy lucky enough to stand by your side. And if you agree to be my wife, Marlow Marché, I’ll stand proudly with you for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”

My tears had already fallen on the floor between us, but I lean and cover him in tears and kisses. “Yes. I’ll marry you, Jackson. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

He stands and kisses me, his arms coming around and holding me. I never want to leave this man’s arms again. He just does that to me. Consumes and I’ll happily let him for the rest of our lives.

Under resounding applause, he tilts to place a kiss on the shell of my ear, and then whispers, “And if you need stitches, I’ll make sure you get taken care of.”

I whack him. “You better.”

I hadn’t thought about the ring until he opens the box, and says, “I hope you love it.”

The delicate platinum band is modern and classic. I couldn’t have dreamed of a more gorgeous diamond than the radiant cut. “You don’t have to hope. I do. I love it so much.”

His smile easily competes with the carats. He slips it on my finger, and then says, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Staring at the brilliance of the diamond sparkling under the lights, I look back at him. Finding that forever more engaging. Engaging . . . I giggle. I’m engaged. “Guess I’m a fiancée now.”

“You sure are.” His hand lowers to my ass. “But don’t worry, I plan to wife you up as soon as you’ll let me.”

Music drifts into the large space as a string quartet plays Vivaldi as they enter from the back room. Everyone turns their attention to them and then takes their places as previously instructed prior to the event. Except of course, Tealey and Rad, the bride and groom.

Holding my hand, Jackson says, “Perfect timing.”

“The band?”

“No.” He kisses my hand and the finger that now wears his ring. “Us.”

Never happier, I lean my head on his shoulder, and for the first time, I feel content in what the future holds. “I have to agree.”

EPILOGUE

Jackson

Two Months Later . . .

“I did something,”I confess, whispering from fear. Maybe it’s also the hour, just past midnight. Or maybe because I know I should have talked to my wife beforehand. We’d just gotten back from an extended honeymoon in the Maldives when the opportunity presented itself.

Call me weak, but I couldn’t resist. She was a thing of beauty, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to have her. But Marlow’s going to kill me. We said no secrets. She’s my wife and I should have talked to her first. That would have been the right thing to do.

It’s too late.

I did it.

Now I must face the consequences of my actions.

Marlow doesn’t move a millimeter and I can’t hear her breathing either. I nudge her. “Are you awake?”

“I am now,” she snarks.

“Why didn’t you say anything then?”

She shuffles onto her side to face me. “Sorry, I guess my husband making a confession in the dead of night that starts with ‘I did something’ kind of freaks me out.”

---