Page 235 of The Re-Proposal

“But it’s bittersweet, isn’t it?”

“What is?” I glance down at her face, memorizing the soft flutter of her lashes and those sweet as molasses brown eyes.

“Our miracle came with a cost. Someone had to die in that accident for him to live. Right now, another family is grieving the way we would have. I’m grateful, but I’m also sorry.”

I tense, my arms closing around her body in a tight grip.

She taps me.

“Sorry.” I ease up. “The doctors can’t legally tell me who donated the heart, but the accident was all over the news. It won’t be difficult to find a name.”

“I want to give something too. Although my money can’t compare to yours.”

My eyebrows hike. “I thought you were going to scold me and tell me money can’t replace a person.”

“No, it can’t. But having the bills paid means you have one less thing to worry about while you grieve.”

I kiss her cheek, in awe of her.

She’s the woman I lost.

Then I got her back and made the mistake of losing her again.

This time, I’ll never let her go.

Clarissa smiles at me, the warmth in her eyes stoking a fire in my bones. “I’m learning that money isn’t so bad if it helps people.”

“Then let’s help more people. As many as you want.”

Hell, if I only make money so I can funnel it into her charity work, I’ll be a happy man.

“You’re a softie, Ice King. How has no one found out?”

“It’s my best kept secret, princess.”

She sighs and cuddles closer to me.

I run my fingers over her wrists. The skin where they taped her hands together is rubbed raw. Anger blazes anew in me. I want to break Winifred out of prison just so I can slam my fist in his face. Slotter too. The men who put bruises on my baby don’t deserve to live.

Ris softly unclenches my fist, pulling at my fingers. “Who do you want to fight with now?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Maybe I just like clenching my fists.”

“Or maybe you like fighting a little too much. Everyone would think thatyouwere the soldier.”

“Leave me again and I’ll fight my way from here to wherever you are,” I growl.

“I believe you.”

My eyes linger on hers. “I love you.”

“I believe that too.”

“You want to get married?”

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