Page 74 of Mating of Convenience
“Where are you going?” I demanded because I was not about to let him walk out on me now.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I’ve made that mistake once and I’m not going to repeat it.” Smiling at me, he took my hand while I watched him in puzzlement. “I’m not wanting a divorce or anything either, what I want is to ask you for youryesone more time under no extenuating circumstances… Pregnancy aside.” He shot me another grin and then he went down on one knee before me.
That… was unexpected.
I was vaguely aware of heads turning our way, but all my attention was focused on my mate in front of me--and on wondering if I was the only alpha who had been proposed to by an omegatwice.
“Nathan,” he started, “you’ve been a wonderful husband to me this past year, even though you were under no obligation to be. I asked you to marry me so I could pay some bills which is probably the least romantic thing I’ve ever done and you said yes even though we both knew you deserved much better than that. I want to make this right. I want to give you what you should have gotten in the first place. I want to give you a real ceremony and real commitment. So would you please say yes to extending our marriage beyond this point?”
How could I say no to a heartfelt request like that? Especially when it came from the love of my life? I wanted to say yes immediately, but honestly, it took me a moment to even find my voice.
“You’re impossible,” I finally got out when I found the words.
“I’ve been told.” Raph’s smile never faltered. “So what do you say?”
“That you even have to ask…” I took his hand. “Of course I’ll stay married to you.” After all, I couldn’t even imagine a world in which I wasn’t his husband anymore.
“I’m sorry I don’t have another ring to put on your finger.”
“It’s fine.” I pulled him up and gave him a kiss. “I’ve got a better idea anyway.”
“A better idea?”
Now it was my turn to surprise him. “I don’t want you to put another ring on me. I want you to finish the tattoo you started when we were in college.”
I’d never seen my mate’s eyes go as wide as they did that moment. “You mean it?”
“I do,” I promised. “Honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing to run around with half a tattoo on my calf.”
“But what about your fear of needles?” Raph asked as he slowly lowered himself back into his seat.
“What about your fear of pregnancy tests?” I countered. “You’ve grown so much, Raph. You’re starting your own business, you’re carrying our child… I think it’s time for me to do some growing too.”
“By getting your tattoo finished?”
“No.” I gave him a smile. “By getting over my ridiculous fear of needles. I’ll have to anyway, if I’m becoming a vet.”
“Oh, wow. You really mean it!”
“And you’re really looking forward to torturing me with your needles again, aren’t you?”
“A little?” he admitted. “But I promise I’m going to be more careful this time.”
“I trust you.”
“I know. I don’t deserve you.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course you do.”
“Well, if you’re so sure about that you won’t mind having our wedding ceremony two weeks from now, will you?”
Two weeks from now? What? “Are you insane? We can’t plan a wedding in two weeks. Even my dad couldn’t pull that off. Not in a good way, anyway.”
Raph held out his phone to me, the screen unlocked. “It did take me a little bit longer than two weeks, but I’ve booked everything. There’s a couple of pictures here, take a look.”
“You…. what?” Taking Raph’s phone, I was almost a little afraid to see what my unromantic mate had planned for our ceremony, but my fears turned out to be unfounded. As I scrolled through the pictures, I saw the flowers he’d ordered--orchids, my favorite kind--the venue he’d booked--that cute little chapel by the hill on the edge of town, the tasteful invitation cards he’d sent out--wait. “You already sent out invitations? When did you do all this? Who did you invite?” I had so many questions.
“I gotta admit your dad helped me a little when I told him what I wanted to do. I’d probably have been lost on my own.” He gave a short laugh, though I didn’t know if he was laughing at his own competence or the flabbergasted expression on my face. “I invited our families, some friends from college, our friends here in town… most people said they’ll come. The ceremony will be for our closest friends and family only, but the after-party is open for everyone. I know you’ve always wanted something more intimate.”
