“I shouldn’t be with you.”

“Why not?” He asks again.

“Because we don’t make sense!” I snap. “Your life is in whatever big city you’re opening a new hotel in, and mine is here. I’m not leaving Wolf Valley.”

“I know. Neither am I.”

“And I—What?” I ask, my mouth dropping open at his words.

“I’m not leaving Wolf Valley. Why would I when the girl that I love is here?”

I gape at him, and he smiles.

“I love you, Vera. I have from that first moment when you ran into me. I want you. I want a life with you. I want everything with you.”

“I don’t want to give up the sanctuary,” I whisper, and he steps closer to me.

“You don’t have to. No one will make you.”

I stare up at him, not sure what to do. It feels like he’s offering me everything I want, but it feels too good to be true.

“So, what exactly are you saying?” I ask him finally, and he grins.

I hold my breath and wait for his response.

“I’m saying that I love you, Vera, and want to be with you. Forever. I knew that we were meant to be; I know that you’re it for me. It’s why I’ve been pushing for a second chance so hard. It’s why I offered you the deal. I need you, Vera.”

“How can you be so sure?” I ask, feeling tears starting to well in my eyes.

“Because you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to be with. You’re the only one that has ever interested me. My life before I came here to Wolf Valley was so boring and mundane. It had become monotonous. Until I met you.”

“It could just be lust,” I argue, and he laughs.

“It’s not. I’m sure of it. I started rearranging my whole life as soon as I met you.”

“Sure,” I say in disbelief, and he smiles wider.

“I have. You could ask my assistant, or I can prove it to you right here and now.”

“Prove it then.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out something small. I frown and then gasp when he drops to one knee in front of me.

“I bought this ring yesterday. I’ve already asked my assistant to find us a wedding planner. I’m sure of this, Vera. I’m sure of us.”

He opens the lid of the ring box, and tears spill over onto my cheeks.

“Fisher,” I start, and he smiles softly.

“I love you, Vera. You’re it for me, and I’m meant to be yours. Will you marry me?”

“Are you just trying to get your hands on this place?” I ask with a laugh through my tears.

“No. I already bought the land to the north of here. I bought it days ago. I stuck around in town for you. You’re the only deal that I need to close. My most important deal.”

“You make it sound so romantic,” I say sarcastically.

“You want flowery words? I can do that.”