Page 110 of Protecting Bianca

I chuckled. “That’s funny. You almost had me.”

He smiled and pulled me into his chest. “I’m not kidding, Bumblebee. It’s in the garage.”

I looked up at him and his smile grew bigger. “Don’t even think about arguing with me over this. If I want to spoil my woman, I will.”

I inhaled and shook my head. “I just don’t know what to think. I’ve never… I don’t know… no one has ever bought me anything before.”

“Well, get used to it. I plan to do it often. Now, we should probably see where you want this furniture before they put the armchair in the kitchen.”

We set off to help the delivery guys and didn’t stop until every piece was put into place.

Jager rolled up his sleeves and helped wherever he could. He kept eyeing his jacket, and I wondered if he was cold. “I might have an oversized hoodie if you prefer that instead of your coat to work in.”

He shook his head. “No, I’m good. Thanks.”

I unpacked some of the boxes I had brought from River’s place and put up some photographs. Jager and I had recently gone away for the weekend to Vegas, and I placed the picture of the two of us on a gondola on top of the fireplace mantel. He hadsaid he’d take me to Venice next month for the real deal and I thought he was joking, but now…

When the movers left and I placed the last pillow on the couch, I immediately fell backwards onto the sofa.

Jager laughed. “Exhausted?”

“Yes, and no. Tired, but in a good way. An accomplished way, if that makes sense.”

“It does.” He looked around. “I know you have all this fancy cookware now, but let’s go out for dinner.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. That sounds perfect.”

He reached for his coat, and I grabbed mine along with my new house keys. I couldn’t help but smile when I locked the front door. This was really mine.

I turned and saw Jager staring up at the sky with his eyes closed. “Fucking perfect,” he said softly.

I was confused. Was he upset because it was now snowing? “The roads won’t be too bad yet.” I lifted my hand to catch a snowflake and smiled when it melted in my hand.

“I’ve been waiting all week for this, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

“All week… for what?”

“The first snowfall.” Then, in his jeans and gray coat, Jager dropped down to one knee. His hair was messy, and a little wet from the snow falling on top of it. While I watched him do this, my mind wasn’t registering what was happening until he dug into his pocket and pulled out a box. Only when he opened it and I saw the brilliant diamond inside, I finally understood.

My hands flew over my mouth, and I crouched down beside him. “Oh my God! Oh my God!” I stood up and stared at the ring and the beautiful man holding it.

“Bianca Catherine Rimoli, I have loved you from the beginning and never stopped. There’s been no one else but youthat I’ve wanted to spend my life with. Will you make me the happiest of men and marry me?”

My lungs seized, and I couldn’t breathe. The snow fell softly around us and I’d always thought the first snowfall was beautiful, but now it was breathtaking.

“Yes,” I whispered. Then louder, “Yes! Yes! Oh, my goodness, yes!” I threw my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his cheek. I kissed him over and over as he chuckled and struggled to rise. I relented and let him stand up, only to throw myself into his arms. Then I took a calming breath and let him slide the ring on my finger.

“I don’t ever want to lose you again.”

“You won’t.”

I kissed him again and again. Then a thought hit me. “Are we going to live here together?”

“I’ll go wherever you want to be,” he said. “As long as you wake up next to me.”

I liked that even though Jager could afford a much bigger place in a better neighborhood, he was willing to stay with me. He chose me, like he had done all those years ago. Only this time, he knew that I loved him just as much.

“What do you think of a wedding in Venice?” I said as I climbed into his car. “I hear it’s beautiful this time of year.”

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