Page 132 of Bastian

A necklace.

My necklace.

The one he gifted me so many days and nights ago that I left behind, not wanting anything that reminded me of what I thought were lies.

The diamond necklace with a snowflake pendant.

The difference is that now instead of one snowflake, it has two.

Two beautiful diamond snowflakes.

Strong hands touch mine as I hold the necklace, trying really hard not to cry. “Two little snowflakes for our children…”

Damnit.

There goes a tear.

Ugh, I blame these hormones and Sebastian’s ability to make me cry with pure joy.

Sebastian takes the necklace from my hands, stands, and hovers over me. “Pull your hair aside, darling.”

I do, and he works on placing the necklace on my neck.

“There.” He stands back and watches me with so much love and heat in his eyes, there’s always heat when he looks at me. “Perfect.”

Placing the box filled with broken pieces of chocolate on the floor, I rise from the rocking chair, I stand on my tippy toes and give him a quick kiss before smiling up at him. “I do love diamonds…” ‘Not more than I love you’ is on the tip of my tongue.

He grabs me by the waist and pushes my body closer to his. “I love you.”

Melting, I smile at him and save this memory in my mind forever. Moments like this one make me believe all that I went, all we both went through, was worth it because it led us here.

To this moment in time.

To where we were always meant to end up.

Each other’s arms.

“And I love you, Sebastian…” It’s the first time I’ve said it aloud to him while he was conscious.

“You better.” He says playfully.

“Don’t ruin it with your obnoxious cockiness.” I snap.

“You love my cockiness, Arianna. You don’t fool me.”

Rolling my eyes at him, we are both silent, just holding each other until I remember to ask him. “How did the press conference go?”

“Great, as expected.” He shrugs, smiling like it is nothing. I guess to someone with Sebastian’s confidence, standing in front of the press while millions watch is nothing.

“Are you close to…”

Knowing where I am headed, he answers. “I delivered the news that the man who shot at us has been found to give the country peace of mind.”

“Did you really find him?”I narrow my eyes.

He gives me a ‘are you serious’ look. “Did you doubt I would?”

“Not for a second.” It’s true. I’ve come to learn that Sebastian can make anything happen. It wouldn’t surprise me if one day he moved a mountain with just one thought. That’s how magnificent he is to me.

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