Page 136 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

“Tell me that’s a yes, Esmerelda.”

She nodded, barely able to choke out a “yes.” He slid the ring onto her finger then stood, sweeping her into his arms and pulling her flush against him as he leaned down and sealed their engagement with a sensual, possessive kiss. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him back, laughing against his lips as he picked her up and spun her around in a circle.

“It fits,” she said, holding up her hand as he set her back on her feet. The diamond glittered, the tiny little black flecks dancing mischievously within the crystalline depths. The pearls gleamed, an innocent touch of beauty, while the aquamarine stones sparkled in the sun.

“It was always for you.” He caught her chin in his hand, brought his lips to hers once more and kissed her until she clung to him. “I went to London to purchase a ring. I had a detective track you to Grenada, intended to follow you apologize and propose to you. Show you, not just tell you.” He grasped her hand in his and raised it to his mouth. “This ring was designed for you, Esmerelda. Pearls for the wisdom and grace you carry, aquamarine for hope and happiness, and a salt-and-pepper diamond. Imperfectly beautiful, with flaws that make it stronger. And,” he added with a kiss to her nose, “because it reminded me of your freckles. Your beautiful freckles.”

She did cry then, tears coursing down her cheeks as he held her. What greater gift could she have asked for than a man who loved her, truly loved her and all her imperfections?

“I love you, Julius.”

“And I love you, Esmerelda.” He grasped her shoulders, held her back. “You’re sure?”

“Yes. I know it won’t be easy. It will take some getting used to. But I’m sure.”

He watched her, eyes darting over her face as if looking for a sign that this was too good to be true.

“And this is what you want?”

“Yes.” She stepped closer then, bringing her hands up to frame his face. “I emailed you from New York. I interviewed for a job there and they asked me what I wanted from my life. All I could think of was you. I almost told you back in Grenada that I wanted to be with you, but I was terrified that if I told you I wanted your love, it would be too much.

“Marrying you, becoming a queen, doesn’t mean I still can’t be myself. I get to combine one of my greatest passions with a new career. And,” she added as she raised up on her toes, “I get to marry the man I love.”

He crushed her to him.

“My queen,” he murmured into her hair, “and tomorrow the whole world will know it.”

“Tomorrow?”

“An engagement announcement, if you’re willing. I want the world to know you’re mine.”

His possessive tone thrilled her, sent little sparks dancing through her veins.

“I’m more than willing.”

“Good.” He leaned, pressed his lips to her forehead. “Tonight, however,” he murmured as he kissed her cheek, the tip of her nose, “I want you all to myself.”

She took his hand, led him back into the bedroom as the lights of the Tower sparkled behind them. She laid on the bed, her breath catching in her chest as he lay next to her and pulled her body against his. As he lowered his mouth to hers, she smiled.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

EPILOGUE

One year later

ESMESTAREDATher reflection in the tri-mirror.

“Joana,” she breathed as she smoothed her hands over the silk skirt, “this is beautiful.”

The bodice of her wedding dress, fashioned from the most exquisite lace, featured a sweetheart neckline with a touch of sexiness. The fitted waist flared into a stunning skirt that swept down to the floor and pooled behind her. Swaths of lace flowed from her shoulders down her back like fairy wings.

“You make it beautiful, Your Highness.”

Esme glanced over her shoulder at Joana and her sister, Hanna. The two had been flown in a week earlier to partake in the festivities leading up to the royal wedding, as well as to serve as two of Esme’s bridesmaids. The three had grown close over the past year, with Joana officially named as the preferred designer of Princess Esmerelda.

Even though she wouldn’t officially receive her title until after the wedding ceremony was complete, the press had jumped on her future moniker and run with it. The engagement announcement for a prince and his bodyguard had entranced the public. A news outlet had rediscovered the video of Esme pushing Julius out of harm’s way during the parade. Rodina had been catapulted into the international spotlight as the media swooned over the “storybook romance.” Leaked details from London about Julius’s brush with a mugger, who had eventually been caught using his credit card, had added intrigue to their love story.

A love that had taken them back to Grenada less than two months after they’d left, where they’d joined Aroldo and his family for Spicemas. Amongst the parades, dancing and celebrations, their friendship with Aroldo, Hanna and Joana had been solidified.

---