Page 56 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
“Thank you. I was about to cut myself out of it.”
“Now that would be a tragedy,” he said lightly as he pressed his lips to her skin. “The color suits you.”
“It’s a beautiful dress.” Sophie smoothed her hands over the gown. “I’m very nervous.”
“I’d be concerned if you weren’t,” he said. “Important endeavors deserve respectful anxiety.”
She smiled despite herself. “Respectful anxiety. I like that.”
“You’ve prepared beautifully,” he went on. “Your menu is impeccable. Tonight, you will be brilliant.”
His belief in her, as steadfast and honest as always, soothed away her nerves.
“I’ve been practicing what to say, but everything sounds off.” Imposter syndrome was threatening to derail her. As it often did.
“You’re overthinking,” Nero said as he stroked the nape of her neck. “Your enthusiasm for the food will speak louder than any script. These are your fans. They are already under your spell.”
She nodded, the last of her tension easing. “You’re right. I just need to be me.”
“Exactly. That is more than enough.” He glanced at the velvet box, his expression shifting. “I have something for you.”
“Is this what you wanted to show me?” In her nervousness, she’d almost forgotten that he had something he wanted to share with her.
“It is.” Nero reached for the velvet box on the dresser. “I finished this piece yesterday,” he said, as he held the box in his palm. “I wanted you to have it tonight, for your special evening.” He held her gaze as he offered it to her.
Sophie’s heart quickened as she accepted the box, its velvet surface soft against her fingertips. The box was the wrong size for an engagement ring. Wasn’t it?
“Open it,” Nero whispered.
She lifted the lid carefully. Inside, nestled against cream-colored silk, lay a necklace of exquisite craftsmanship. A perfectly formed heart of polished gold, its surface adorned with small rubies. As the fading light from the window reflected off the rubies, it was as if the heart was beating.
“Oh, Nero,” Sophie breathed as her finger hovered over the piece. She was almost afraid to touch something so beautiful.
“It’s calledFrom Our Heart to Yours,” he said softly.
“The plans I saw that first night you showed me your workshop.” Sophie looked up at him, her eyes wide.
“Yes.”
“You made this? For me?”
“I did.” His fingers brushed against hers as he carefully lifted the necklace from its velvet nest. “I finished setting the last stone just hours ago,” Nero continued. “I wanted it to be perfect for tonight.”
“It is perfect,” she whispered. “Just like you.”
“Sophie,” Nero said, his voice taking on a quiet intensity that held her enraptured. “This necklace is more than a gift. It’s my pledge to you.”
He moved closer. “From the moment I literally stumbled into your life at that wedding expo, my world was complete,” he said. “I recognized the bond we share. But since then, I have seen your creativity, your strength, your honesty, and your integrity. With this necklace, I promise to support you always. To walk beside you through it all.”
“Nero…” She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you. For everything.”
His arms tightened around her possessively, and she rested her head on his shoulder as she took a shuddering breath. For along moment, they stood there, her soft curves pressed against his hard, toned body. Two people. Fated together for eternity.
How lucky she was. How loved she was.
When she pulled back, she wiped her eyes. “I’ll ruin my makeup.”
“You could never be anything less than beautiful. May I?” he asked, lifting the necklace again.
