Page 103 of Billionaire Protector

He bent down on one knee.

He reached into his pocket and removed a small blue box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring crafted of gleaming rose gold, with a heart shaped stone in its center that sparkled like a thousand rainbows. It was surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, in a cushion of delicate filigree work that shimmered with all the love it represented.

“I picked a heart because you are my heart. My sunshine, my joy and my smile. You are beautiful, brave and strong, a woman who would sacrifice all for the people she loves. Whether we’re working, joking or talking under the stars, every moment with you is a dream. I want to be with you for all time, to love you, to spend forever with you. Sarah Sloan, will you marry me?”

Tears of happiness wet her cheeks, amidst a smile she could no longer hide. She reached down and urged him up, her love, her hero. He rose to his full height, towering in pure power, offering the beautiful symbol of his love. Then she gave the only answer she could ever imagine.

“Yes.”

As the world erupted in applause from all whom they loved, and who loved them, he slid the beautiful ring on her finger, where it fit in destined perfection. “I love you, Cole Carter, forever and ever.”

“And I love you, my sweet Sarah. Now there’s only one thing left to do.” Her powerful hero clasped her hands, holding her tight. He would never let her go. “To be together forever.”

And that’s exactly what they did.

EPILOGUE

“Are you a billionaire?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Either you are or you aren’t.”

“I disagree.”

“So you’re not a billionaire?”

“Well…”

Sarah folded her arms, tapped her foot and gave a general sniff of disapproval. They were in the plush living room of their new home, the day of thewedding. Azure overstuffed sofas, colorful hanging quilts and pine furniture graced the spacious room, including a large handmade table gifted by Donovan. The scent of fresh cedar permeated the air, sweetened by lilies from the butterfly garden outside the big picture window.

The magic of their new home continued outside. Their big backyard had been transformed into a whimsical wonderland, with fairy lights strung from towering oak trees, criss-crossing draped chiffon and lace-covered tables adorned with scattered rose petals. Rows of ivory-cushioned chairs with golden spindles flanked a path set with mosaic glass vases of fresh wildflowers. At the end, a covered altar awaited, where they would soon be named husband and wife.

Friends and family arrived by the minute, mingling and munching on sweet cheese pastries, fresh seasonal fruits and buttery croissants. Well, mostly Cole’s family came, but like his parents, his extended family had taken her in. She had never felt so loved, most of all by the man she would soon call her husband. And the town?

They wereallpresent.

With only hours to go, they were stealing a few minutes of quiet before the life-changing moment of two paths becoming one. Cole, handsome in the casual black tee and jeans that played prelude to his tux, moved closer, wrapping those muscular arms around her. All frustration at his vagueness fled, replaced by approval. His muscles flexed. Oh yeah, so much approval.

No, she had to remember their discussion. He couldn’t distract her like the last few times he’d mentioned his littleclub. “You just told me The Billionaires of Miami are here. They’re on the news more than a certain socialite family with a scandal-a-week television show. When were you going to tell me you’re one of them?”

“It’s not really an official group or anything,” he hedged. “We’re just a group of friends…”

“Who happen to be billionaires and do tons of hidden charitable endeavors.”

For once, the powerful man looked uncomfortable. “You don’thaveto be a billionaire to be in it.”

“True.” She relaxed. “So you’re not a billionaire.”

“I didn’t say that.” At her glare, he chuckled, pulled her closer. “Why? Does it change how you feel about me?”

“Of course not!” The words sprung forth with total honesty. He could have a penny to his name, or not even that, and she would love him just the same. “My love is about you and only you.” She snaked her arms around him. “Even if I wish youwould be more forthcoming, I couldn’t be happier to become your wife.”

“Which is going to happen in just a few hours.” He nipped her neck. “Not that the formality changes anything. You were mine from the moment I arrested you.”

“Is that so?” She shivered a secret thrill. “Didn’t I arrest you?”

“Not quite, no matter how much you wanted to.” He chuckled, but the love in his eyes was all serious. He pulled her a little closer. “Perhaps we captured each other.”

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