Lucas’s eyes widened, his pulse hammering in his throat. His hands trembled at his sides, caught between clenching into fists and reaching out for something—anything—to hold on to. “So… she’s really waiting for my proposal? If I propose here, she’ll… she’ll come back to me?”
Jeremy folded his arms across his chest. “Yes. But only if it’s a real surprise. You cannot appear in front of her now until the proposal day next week. If you want her forgiveness, you need patience. Let her cool off. Wait for the right moment.”
Lucas’s throat worked as he swallowed hard, his chest tight. Doubt flickered briefly in his eyes—weak, fleeting—but desperation smothered it in an instant. He nodded quickly, his voice breathless.
“All right. I’ll wait. Emily still needs time to cool off. You… you talk to her for me. Just convince her to come to me that day. I’ll do anything. In the future, I’ll follow whatever she says. She just needs to forgive me.”
Jeremy’s lips curved into a small, practiced smile, one that hid the satisfaction burning beneath. He clapped Lucas lightly on the shoulder before turning back toward the glowing lights inside.
Jeremy gave him a small, practiced smile before turning back inside.
Lucas took a step back, watching Jeremy return inside. His fists clenched at his sides, his heart racing wildly. ‘Emily, the moment you say yes to me… I’ll marry you on the same day. Nothing will stop me.’
Inside, Emily leaned happily into Sebastian, her eyes dreamy as she asked, “Can we have Italian food on the menu for our wedding day?” she asked, her voice sweet, hopeful.
Sebastian’s face lit up, his arm tightening around her. He brushed his hand against her cheek, his voice full of devotion.
“Mrs. Graves, you can have anything you want at our wedding. Whatever makes you happy, I’ll arrange it. Just give me your list—I’ll make sure everything is exactly as you dream.”
Emily’s heart soared. She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him, smiling against his lips.
Chapter 25 A Proposal And A Wedding
Sebastian walked out of the washroom in his bathrobe, fresh from a shower. Drops of water clung to his hair as he crossed the room.
He sat on the edge of the mattress, his weight dipping it down, and leaned closer. One of his hands settled on her slim waist, the other pressed into the pillow beside her head. His eyes softened as he took in her peaceful face, and then he bent down to press a kiss to her lips.
Emily stirred with a soft sound, her lashes fluttering open. Her drowsy gaze landed on him.
“Good morning, baby,” Sebastian whispered gently. “Time to wake up. It’s our wedding day.”
Emily let out a sleepy moan and looped her arms around his neck, refusing to let him move away. Instead, she pulled him down further, his face brushing against the curve of her neck.
“I’m so sleepy…” she murmured into his ear, her voice husky with slumber.
Sebastian’s lips skimmed her skin before he pulled back just enough to see her face. His eyes gleamed mischievously. “How about I help you wake up?”
Emily’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Okay then. Let me see how you help me wake up.”
Before she could breathe, he tossed aside the blanket and slipped under it with her. His mouth captured hers, his hands sliding along her sides. She giggled, squirming beneath him.
“You tricked me again!” she laughed breathlessly, but her laughter melted into a gasp when his lips deepened the kiss.
***
Three hours later, the shrill sound of the doorbell rang through the house. Emily sat up in a panic, her hair tousled. “My dress is here!” she squealed, leaping out of bed. She darted downstairs, her bare feet padding across the living room floor.
Sebastian, who was in the kitchen flipping through some files, raised his head just in time to see her dart across the living room like a whirlwind. He shook his head with a small smile.
At the door stood Harold, a wide grin on his face and a large bag in his hands.
“Miss Emily, your dress is here!” he announced proudly. “Your makeup artist will be arriving soon to get you ready for the wedding.”
Emily beamed and clasped her hands together. “Perfect!”
Harold followed her inside the house, handing over the bag to her as he beamed at her.
“Miss Emily, I can’t wait to see you in this dress. You should try it on right now before the makeup girl arrives. If there’sany adjustment needed, I will call the designer to come over immediately.”