“Dance with me?” he asks.

I laugh lightly, placing my hand in his. “You know I can’t say no to you.”

We sway together under the string lights, the world fading into the background. His arms wrap around me, pulling me close, and I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“Tania,” he murmurs, his voice soft. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

“You’re impossible,” I reply, smiling against his shirt. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He chuckles, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re stuck with me now, Caldwell.”

“And you’re stuck with me, Nichols,” I say, tilting my head to meet his gaze. “Forever.”

The words feel light but significant, a promise spoken in the quiet of the night. And as we dance, the water shimmering beneath the moonlight, I realize that for the first time, I’m not just hopeful for our future—I’m certain of it.

Chapter Forty-Six

Levi

The Nichols family estate is as grand as ever, the sprawling grounds immaculately kept and the scent of blooming flowers drifting through the air. It’s the kind of place that exudes tradition and history, but for me, it’s always been more about the people inside.

Tania sits beside me in the car, her hands resting lightly in her lap. She looks calm, but I can see the way her fingers fidget slightly, a subtle giveaway of her nerves. I reach over, taking her hand in mine, and she glances at me, her smile soft but uncertain.

“You’ve done this before,” I remind her gently. “They already adore you.”

“Eleanor adores you,” she counters. “There’s a difference.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “My mom loves you, Tania. She’s probably been planning this dinner since the last time we visited.”

“And Andrew?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Will tease us mercilessly,” I admit, grinning. “But he’s harmless. Mostly.”

She groans, leaning her head back against the seat. “Great. Can’t wait.”

Eleanor isthe first to greet us, sweeping Tania into a warm embrace the moment we step inside. She’s as elegant as ever, her perfectly tailored dress and composed demeanor giving way to a genuine warmth that instantly puts Tania at ease.

“Tania, darling,” she says, holding her at arm’s length. “You look radiant.”

“Thank you, Eleanor,” Tania replies, her smile genuine. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

Eleanor turns to me, her expression softening. “And you, Levi. I’m so proud of you.”

The words hit harder than I expect, and I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thanks, Mom.”

Andrew appears a moment later, leaning casually against the doorframe with his trademark smirk. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite brother and his much more interesting fiancée.”

Tania laughs, shaking her head. “Hello to you too, Andrew.”

“Don’t mind him,” Eleanor says, rolling her eyes. “He’s been insufferable since the last board meeting went in his favor.”

“And by insufferable, she means brilliant,” Andrew says, grinning as he steps forward to hug Tania. “Good to see you again, Tania. Glad you’re still putting up with this one.”

“I’m a saint,” Tania replies, her tone teasing but affectionate.

The dining roomis as grand as I remember, the long table set with crystal and silver, Eleanor’s impeccable taste on full display. But the atmosphere is light, the conversation flowingeasily as we share stories and laugh over Andrew’s relentless teasing.

“So, Tania,” Andrew says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. “What’s it like to finally tame the untamable Levi Nichols?”