Page 244 of The Re-Proposal

“I found it the day we bumped into each other in the elevator.”

It feels like just yesterday she was shooting daggers with her eyes while I was trying not to kiss the pants off her in that tiny, cramped space.

“Cody, you should have thrown this away.”

“This heel is worth more to me than the building we’re standing on.” I take her hand and slide the ring off the broken wand. “Because it’s yours.” I slip the ring on her finger. “Clarissa Maura, I don’t care which world you belong to.Youare my world. And I’d leave mine behind in a heartbeat to be with you.”

She doesn’t say anything, but tears are slipping from her eyes.

“Princess.” I groan and wipe her tears away with the pad of my thumb.

“I love you, Cody. I always have. Always will.”

“Is that a yes?” I ask.

She inhales. “Yes.” Laughingly, she cups my face. “But make sure you show up to the ceremony this time.”

“Honey, the zombie apocalypse couldn’t keep me away.”

She laughs. I close my arms around her and brush my lips to hers. She kisses me passionately. Minutes turn into hours that turn into forever.

When the kiss ends, my heart aches.

What has this woman done to me? I’m completely consumed by her.

Clarissa glances up with a mischievous smile. “Do you have everything ready for Joel to move in tomorrow?”

“That and the adoption papers.”

“He’s going to think you only want to adopt him so he can’t get with me.”

“Even without the papers, he can’t get with you.” I kiss her hair. “You’re spoken for.”

“Speaking of, didn’t you make me a promise today? Because if this is what you meant by making me sweat—”

I sweep her into my arms and walk with her to the elevator. “Let me show you that I’m a man of my word.”

Her eyes fall closed in ecstasy as our lips find each other again.

Our future is sealed with a kiss.

This moment was ten years in the making. And through all the twists and turns, I know one thing for sure. Clarissa Maura was always meant to be my wife.

* * *

It takes foreverto open the door to my place. Clarissa’s lips are locked on mine and her hands are driving me insane. A guttural groan wrenches free as she unbuttons my shirt while still kissing me.

I finally get the door to work and scramble inside.

She pops her lips away, her breathing ragged. “Getting in practice for our wedding day?”

“What?”

“You carried me over the threshold.” She gestures to where I’m holding her. “A little eager, are we?”

“You have no idea.” I surge against her again.

She starts undressing with a blazing passion. Clothes fall to the floor, dripping a trail that leads to my bedroom.

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