Page 123 of Forbidden Flame

Daphne’s brow furrowed. “It’s at your new house?”

I hadn’t asked Daphne and Izzy to move in with me yet. I wanted to complete this project first. I wasn’t in a rush. I understood that it would be a process for Izzy to move, but I hoped they’d be willing to consider it. I wanted them with me.

I parked in front of the house where Knox had helped me hang holiday lights earlier.

Daphne’s eyes widened in pleasure. “When did you do all of this?”

“This afternoon. Knox said Izzy would enjoy it.” Apparently, Addy asked him to hang lights at Sarah’s house when they first met.

“I love it too.” I’d hung a swing on the porch, and Emmett had gifted me rocking chairs from his shop. I felt more a part of the Monroe family than I ever had. It was funny how when you asked for what you wanted, when you put that desire out into the universe, all your wishes come true.

“I want to show you something, but it’s not inside,” I said as I led her past the house and down a lit path.

Daphne curled her hand around my arm. “Where is it then?”

I led her around the side of the house, tipping my head at the building that stood in front of us. The one that hadn’t been here when I showed her the property.

“What’s this?” Daphne asked as she let go of my arm, lifted her skirt, and walked up the steps.

“It’s yours.”

“Mine?” she asked as she turned to face me.

I moved past her and unlocked the door. I flicked on the overhead lights so she could see the gleaming stainless counters, the ovens, and the empty racks that would soon be filled with her pies. We’d painted the walls white, and the picture of us at the wedding hung on one wall.

“Is this for my pies?” Daphne asked, her eyes shining with tears.

I put my arm around her, turning her to face me. “This is for you. If you don’t like it, or you need something bigger, we can build whatever you want.”

“How did you know what I needed?” Daphne’s eyes shone with happiness.

“Believe it or not, Teddy helped. He told me what you already had, and what you wanted to add to your existing space.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“He wants you to be happy.” It was the one thing we had in common.

“I love it.” She threw her arms around my neck, and I enjoyed the feel of her body pressed against mine.

I eased back from her, my heart pounding hard. “I don’t think I knew what love was before I met you. I thought I wanted to be deserving of the Monroe name. But you showed me that I was meant for so much more. I was worthy of your love. Izzy’s.

“Of course you are,” Daphne murmured.

I felt her love for me wrap around my heart. “There’s one more thing I wanted to show you.” I dropped to my knees, pulling the ring out of my pocket. Taking her hand in mine, I said, “I love you, Daphne Calloway. I love every part of you, your daughter, Isabelle, and your family.”

“I love you too.”

I was so overcome with emotion; it was difficult to draw in a deep breath. “Will you marry me, Daphne? Make me the happiest guy in the world?”

She nodded, the tears free-falling down her face. “Yes.”

I stood and pulled her into my arms. I held her tight, never wanting to let her go. I only eased back to wipe the tears from her eyes and to kiss her. That’s when I realized I was still holding the ring.

I took her left hand in mine. I slid the ring over her finger, the diamond sparkling.

“It’s perfect.”

I loved seeing my ring on her finger, but knowing she’d be my wife made my heart expand. “I want you and Izzy to live here with me. I want to build a home. I want us to be a family.”

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