Page 80 of Modern Romance Collection February 2025, 5-8

‘Your ring on my finger and an official announcement is kind of a giveaway.’

He’d been right: convenientdidn’tmean cold. It was as though she was already bound to him in ways she could never have anticipated. A formal proposal seemed unnecessary, yet why did she feel too big for her own skin right now? Her hands trembling, heart pounding in excitement.

‘Your acceptance is important to me. To hear the words, not to assume.’ He cupped her cheek. ‘Will you marry me, Ana? My princess, mygoddess.’

Tears burned her eyes, the back of her nose. This moment was so perfect and precious in its simplicity, brimming with emotion. She was so thankful that he’d helped her overcome her fears. The words from that night of her accident—no one but me will love you now—held no power any more.

Though in reality none of this was love...was it?

‘Of course there was never a doubt,’ she said. ‘You’ve given me everything.’

Though a tiny thought niggled the back of her consciousness. Had he truly given her himself? There was so much she didn’t know...

Aston dropped his head and kissed her gently, reverently, on the lips.

‘How I’m going to worship you later,’ he said. And there it was again, in the rumble of his voice, part-promise, part-threat. ‘Now,on y va, before you convincemenever to leave.

Ana knew she’d be counting down every second till they returned home again.

Aston steered the car down the narrow roads from his farmhouse to his parents’ château. He should be tense about it. This meeting was a critical one, cementing his and Ana’s relationship in the eyes of his family—securing Girard in the process. In many ways he understood it would be difficult. He hadn’t really seen or spoken to his parents since their argument in anything other than a superficial way or when necessary for the business. Yet, despite the importance of this evening, a calm settled over him.

He glanced in the rear-view mirror at the vehicle following with his personal security, then to Ana, who sat in silence next to him. Once he might have schooled her on what to say to his parents about their relationship. Now he didn’t feel the need. The proposal tonight had cemented something, an honest and meaningful moment between them. Whilst he might not have wanted his parents to know their relationship was a convenient one, it didn’t feel so convenient now. Their attraction was a truth and everything between them felt real with her in his life, his bed, his future... Still...her silence now troubled him. What was she thinking? Was she having second thoughts?

Impossible. She’d all but suggested they might like to forgo dinner and spend the night in bed together instead. That didn’t speak of regret, but passion. Of course, it could be the simple fact of the car journey. Now he knew about her accident, her injuries, he took extra care on the drive.

‘You’re quiet,’ he said.

‘We’re visiting your parents. I’m finding the thought quite daunting. Usually when I’m meeting someone new a staff member would give me a dossier I could read about them. I feel under-prepared.’

He turned into the long, gravel drive of the place that he still thought of as home, even though he had houses all over the world.

‘There’s nothing more to know than I’ve already told you,’ he said. ‘You’ll be perfect.’

Even in the darkness he could tell she stiffened. ‘I’m glad you have faith in me.’

‘Don’t underestimate yourself.’

‘Everybody else seems to, of late.’

They pulled up at the front of the château. The grand building and the trees that flanked it were lit up with accent lighting in the darkness.

‘“Everybody” is not me. Remember who you are,ma déesse. Charming, kind...my parents will love you.’

Ana turned to him, the warm light from the house and garden painting her in gold. She smiled and his breath caught. Each one was such a rare and precious gift. Something seemed to snag in his chest—an unfamiliar sensation, hinting at possibilities which might be his if he simply reached out and took them.

‘Thank you for reminding me.’

‘Toujours,’he said as he leapt out of the car and went to her side, helping her over the gravel drive to a broad stone staircase leading to the house. He took her hand, threading her fingers through his as they walked up the stairs. She was wearing heels, after all. He didn’t want her to twist her ankle on the stone surface.

‘This is magnificent,’ she whispered, the sound of wonder in her voice.

He chuckled. ‘You live in a castle.’

‘Whilst I lived there, most of it is a workplace rather than a home.’

As they reached the front door, Aston pulled a key out of his pocket. If he were formally disinherited, would his parents ask him to return it? It gave him a moment’s pause, hesitation. He reached out to put it in the lock when the door opened like a miracle. His parents must have been waiting for them on the other side. Knowing his mother, probably keeping an eye on the security camera in anticipation of their arrival.

He stiffened as his parents stood there. Since their argument, their demand he find a wife, he’d only spoken to them over the phone. His grip on Ana’s hand tightened involuntarily. She squeezed back, then glanced up at him with an eyebrow raised, a question on her face. He relaxed his fingers so as not to crush her.

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