Page 26 of The Tiger King's Christmas Bride

“Thank fuck,” he pulled her close and hugged her tight to him as they both laughed and whispered those three little words over and over again.

Of course, the sound of something landing on the roof had them both jumping apart and looking up at the skylight, where truth be told, the sight Dean saw left him absolutely speechless.

“Was that?”

“Uh-”

“Is he real?” Violet stage whispered and Dean was too awestruck to answer.

“I mean, I’ve heard rumors, but I have never found any evidence either way.”

Violet bit her lip again and her warm brown eyes glowed with mischief as she tugged on his hand,

“Come on! Let’s see if he left us anything,” she giggled and sped down the stairs wearing nothing but the sheet she’d pulled from the bed.

Dean was still wearing the pajama bottoms he’d donned earlier to make the dessert plate. His Tiger pushed at him to hurry up so as not to leave his mate unattended for any amount of time and that was something he could totally understand.

“Hang on, let me go first,” he said and gently pulled her behind him as they walked to the softly glowing embers of the fireplace in the living room where a very small, very red package waited.

Curiosity got the best of Dean and Violet and together they knelt in front of the small prettily wrapped gift.

“You open it,” he grinned when he saw her expression.

“You sure?”

“Yes, I already got my gift.”

That little statement earned him a kiss, which caused him to think silently that he got two presents now. He liked watching her enthusiasm rise as she tore the paper carefully.

A familiar blue box sat in the palm of her hand, and Violet bit her lip while Dean picked up the tiny card that had fallen out with the paper.

“What’s it say?” she asked wondrously.

“It says ‘don’t be an ass, ask her already’,” he laughed and took the box from her hand opening it towards her while assuming the proper position.

On bended knee, heart on his sleeve, Dean looked up at his mate with heat and love in his worshipful gaze, “Violet Martinez, the last twenty-four hours have been the most amazing of my entire life and I want you to know that it is because of you. I’m kneeling before you now asking you to take me, Dean Romero, Neta of the Island Stripe Tiger Pride, as your husband and mate until eternity. I promise to respect, love, honor, cherish, and worship you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”

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