"No, Malin. This is about us, no one else. Everything we do now involves others. I want to get married here. Now. Just you, me, and whoever marries us."
My stomach flutters. "You don't mean that."
"I do. Today."
"It's not possible."
Her lips twitch. "You're a man who makes things happen."
"You will regret it."
"I won't. I know what I want."
I kiss her again and put my arm around her. "Let me show you the rest of the house."
The next day, I wake up, and she whispers in my ear, "Why am I not your wife yet?"
"Do you think I'm going somewhere, ma belle?"
"No."
"Patience. Good things come to those who wait," I tease her and spend the next hour giving her multiple orgasms and making her beg me until she's hoarse.
Later in the day, the jeweler comes over. I tell Emilia he's a business contact. She goes into the backyard to read a book. I can see her outside, lying in the lounger, reading.
The jeweler shows me diamonds worth millions of dollars. All are fancy and rare.
I pick up a curved trillion-cut stone. It resembles a triangle, yet doesn't have the straight edges. It nearly blinds me with its sparkling brilliance.
"Ah. Simple yet elegant. You hardly ever see anyone with a diamond this shape," the jeweler says.
"This is the one. I need it set in platinum."
I pick bands next. "Please engrave, 'To ma belle, forever my heart, forever my equal, forever yours, Malin,'" I instruct him on her band. I hold up mine. "Please engrave on one side, 'Emilia,' and the other 'Ma belle.'"
It may not be visible to others, but now, every time she wears her collar, I will wear her names. It doesn't make it right, but I want her to remember she is mine as much as I am hers.
"Everything needs to be brought back by sunset."
The jeweler smiles. "I will have it to you by six o'clock."
I drive around the countryside with Emilia all day. When we return, the jeweler pulls in.
"I have a surprise for you. If you go to our room and get changed, I'll show you," I tell Emilia.
"Change into what?"
"You'll see. I have something special set out for you."
She smiles and wiggles her eyebrows. "Is it dirty?"
I chuckle and peck her on the lips. "Go see."
She obeys.
I go to his car, and he rolls down the window. He hands me the box, and I go inside.
A hair and makeup stylist, along with a seamstress, are in her room waiting for her.