Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I turn to face him under a giant oak. He looks so troubled. I want to reach and stroke his face, comfort him, make him feel better. But I can’t.
I need some assurances.
And so does he.
“I love you,” I say.
He sucks in a breath and brings his fist to his chest.
After a beat, he responds. “That’s not what I expected you to say. But that’s part of the reason I love you,” He loves me? I want to swallow those words whole. “You never say the thing I expect you to say.”
He’s in for a wild ride this afternoon.
“I’m happy to listen to the rest of the reasons you love me,” I say. “Shall we sit?”
He glances at the grass under his feet. “Here?”
I laugh. “We can find a bench if you’d prefer.”
He fixes me with a look that says he accepts my dare and takes a seat.
“You have the kindest heart of anyone I know,” he says. “You’re fiercely loyal and you are the funniest woman I’ve ever met. When I’m with you, I don’t just want to be a better man, I am a better man—and I feel like I’m stealing that line from Jacob, but it’s exactly how I feel. I’m happier, more relaxed, more motivated, kinder, more thoughtful when you’re around. And that’s because you’re all those things. Not just to me but to everyone you come across. From the moment I met you, you’ve been completely unconcerned with my wealth or my job. You say what you want and what you need and it’s refreshing and…it’s also completely terrifying.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Terrifying?”
“Because I never want to be without you. I’ve never felt like this.”
His words are fresh summer rain. “Oh,” I say.
“When you’re near, it feels like I’m home.”
My heart stretches in my chest as if it’s trying to climb up and out of me and into Vincent’s lap.
“I know that feeling,” I say.
He sighs and then shifts so he’s closer to me. “I feel like a giant chump, but if you forgive me and we love each other, then I want this to work between us. I know you’re going to try and tell me it won’t. That you won’t leave Crompton. But if you don’t mind me traveling, then I can base myself there and we can have video calls and phone calls and I’ll come home to you as much as I can.”
I shiver when he says he’ll come home to me. It’s such a relief to know he’s not trying to walk away. That he understands what’s between us is worth awkward apologies and fumbling conversation. I give him a small smile. This man is the best person I know. The best man I will ever know.
“You’ve taught me so many things, Vincent, but the most important of all is that it’s not the place that makes me feel safe, happy and loved. It’s the people. That’s why I enjoyed Norfolk so much. I was with you. You give me roots as deep as this oak. It doesn’t matter where in the world you need to be, I’ll come with you. And if I’m with you, I’ll be safe and happy.”
He closes his eyes and I can feel the relief stream through his body.
“But there’s one thing we need to figure out before we can be together,” I say.
He opens his eyes, gaze narrowing.
“You need to be sure of me,” I say. “You need to know I’m not going anywhere. I get that what happened to you with your dad makes you frightened. It’s no wonder. But I need to be able to heal that wound for you, Vincent.”
“You do,” he says, reaching for me.
But I pull my bag onto my knees and bring out the gift bag I went out for earlier.
“I bought these,” I say, handing him the present. “There’s one for each of us. Yours might not be the right size.”
His frown deepens and he looks at the box, then back at me.
“Open it,” I say.
He pulls off the bow and brings out the black box. He shoots me another confused look.
I lift my chin in silent encouragement.
A smile curls around his mouth as he opens the box. Two gold bands sit nestled together on the black velvet.
“We’re going to be together forever,” I say. “I want to marry you. I want us to be each other’s family, each other’s anchor in this ever-changing world. The only promise I need from you, is if you think things are shifting between us, you talk to me about it. No running off on a business trip when things get tough or when you’re feeling vulnerable. I need a chance to be able to explain how I’m not going anywhere and I never will.”
He swallows and nods. “I promise.”
I crawl into his lap, my legs astride him so our faces are only inches apart, and wrap my arms around his neck. He doesn’t reciprocate, and I pull back.