Page 74 of Alluring

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Jack gave a bark of laughter, shaking his head. He ran his fingers through his hair before clamping his hand to the back of his neck. He stared down at the floor for a count of ten before looking back up.

"I didn't think this would be so hard. I'm so worried about what your answer will be, I can't seem to get out the words." She gave him a look, like she thought he was crazy. Maybe he was? He sure felt deranged at the moment.

When he'd brought her up here, he'd had all the confidence in the world. But, one look from her amber eyes, and all of his confidence shattered. He'd had everything he wanted to say to her memorized, but that one look was all it took, for the words to go flying from his head, scattering over the water like tiny scraps of paper, forever lost.

He knew he had to say something soon. She looked worried and worried was the last thing he wanted her to be. He took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. Her fingertips were cold. He set both their glasses on the ground and enfolded her hands in his to bring them warmth.

"Alexis." Her name came out as a sigh. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her. Earnestly. He never wanted to be parted from her. He had to make her his. He separated their lips and rested his forehead against hers. "I want to live each day with you by my side and end every night with you in my arms. I want to have children with you. I want to grow old with you. I want you to be mine. Please tell me you want those same things. Please say you'll marry me." He reached into the pocket of his jeans and withdrew the ring he had made for her.

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Alexis stared in stunned silence at the ring before her. A large princess cut diamond, with clusters of pink stones on either side, sparkled in the moonlight. Jack's hand shook slightly as he held up the ring. The fact that this strong, powerful, domineering man, was nervous about her answer, proved how much she meant to him, how important this was for him. It also made her decision an easy one.

She held out her left hand (hers was trembling a bit, too). "I love you and do want all those things, so yes, I'll marry you."

He slipped the ring on her finger, scooped her into his arms and kissed her. His kiss consumed her. She felt his love in that kiss and hoped he felt her love in return. In the background, Alexis heard the pop of fireworks. She smiled against Jack's lips. "Perfect timing."

He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. "You will never regret saying yes."

Alexis watched the glow of lights shimmering in the sky. No, she didn't think she would.

Emily shrieked and threw her arms around her, jumping up and down, when Alexis showed her the engagement ring. "I'm so happy for you." Emily grasped her sister's hands. "I know things have been tough for you. I know taking care of mom and raising me wasn't easy, and not once did you give up on either of us. You took care of me, put me through school ... and I just want to say, thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had such a good life. I'm happy you found some happiness. You deserve it more than anyone."

Alexis felt a few tears fall from her eyes. "I love you and would do anything for you. You know I'm always here for you."

"And I'll always be here for you. It goes both ways, we're sisters."

Alexis laughed. "So, what do you say we hit the dance floor, sister."

"I say that sounds like fun."

Jack put his hands on Alexis's shoulders. "There's someone I want you to meet first."

Alexis smiled at Emily. "I'll meet you out there." She nodded to the dance floor.

Jack steered her to a very attractive, middle-aged woman, with light- brown, bobbed hair who stood next to an equally attractive older gentleman.

"Grace, I want to introduce you to my enchanting fiancée." At the mention of the name Grace, Alexis grew still, and her smile faded a little. She looked over at Jack. He had a devilish grin on his face.

"She said yes!" Grace smiled big and clapped her hands under her chin.

Jack's face broke out into a devastatingly brilliant smile. He looked down at Alexis, love shining in his eyes, and said softly, "She said yes." She was so enthralled in his smile, she almost missed his next words. "Alexis, this is Grace. The jeweler who made your ring."

Alexis turned to Grace. She looked delighted, and the gentleman standing beside her, looked pleased as well. Grace. Alexis didn't feel the relief she thought she should feel at learning who Grace was. She had put her trust and faith in Jack, and when he'd told her Grace was nothing to worry about, she had believed him.

She gave Grace a huge smile. "I said yes!" Everyone laughed.

Jack wrapped his arm around her and nuzzled her ear. "I really like the idea of calling you fiancée."

Alexis whispered back in a sultry voice. "I like the idea of calling youhusbandbetter."

He growled, attacking her neck, causing her to giggle. Alexis squirmed away, uncomfortable with too much PDA in front of an audience. She held out her left hand, admiring her ring. "Grace, this ring is breathtaking. You do lovely work."

"Oh, I didn't design it, Jack did. I just put it together according to his specifications. And boy was he specific. He called every day while I was making it."

Alexis peeked over at Jack. "You designed this?" she asked, gazing back down at her ring. "It's beautiful. I love it." She beamed up at him.

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