Page 89 of Bound By Valor

“Leora, you came into my life and I knew you would throw everything I had planned into chaos. A chaos I didn’t realize I would eventually embrace and begin to cherish. I fell in love with you easily, because there was no other alternative for me, baby. The fears, the uncertainties I had, flew out the window the day you asked me to kiss you,” he said, gently opening the box to reveal a teardrop-shaped diamond, elegantly set on a gold band. “This ring… Logan was supposed to be here, handing it to me. He was keeping it hidden for me. I couldn’t bring myself to retrieve it from his room, not until now. I found it with a note from him.”

Zarek reached into his pocket, pulling out a crumpled note, and handed it to me. I opened the note’s delicate folds with trembling hands.

If you’re reading this, it means I’m not there to give this to you in person. Bummer, right? I had this epic suit ready and everything. Just so you know, I totally planned to object at your wedding—for the laughs, obviously. You dodged a bullet there! Look after my sister, Zarek, and don’t screw it up! - LC

Laughter mixed with tears bubbled up inside me, the note so quintessentially Logan. I looked back atZarek and his smile melted away all my lingering pain. He was happy, and so was I.

“So, Leora ‘Doc’ Mateez, will you take this chaotic mess that is me to be your husband?”

I knelt in front of him, laughing with tears running down my cheeks. “Yes, baby, yes!Godyes!”

His grin stretched wide as he slid the ring onto my finger, then he pulled me into a fervent kiss. His tongue explored mine with a hunger filled with love, need, and a touch of desperation. His hands were everywhere, one in my hair, the other drawing me close. I tipped into him, and we tumbled to the ground, still locked in our passionate embrace, our laughter mingling with our tears.

Breaking away breathlessly, I quipped, “Was our trip to Toronto just so you could ask my parents for their blessing?”

Zarek’s laughter warmed the chilly night air, his nod confirming my suspicion. Playfully, I tapped his chest, then sealed our promise with another deep, loving kiss.

We were ready for our forever. And with Zarek, forever felt like a promise I couldn’t wait to keep.

THE END

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