Page 52 of Kai
"Great." He shifted uncomfortably. "Are you going to clear things up before I see them?"
"Why should I?"
"Maxie—"
"I already did." She laughed at the look on his face. "I told them you have made up for what happened in the past and would very much love it if they could make it home before the wedding." She spread her hand over his chest and gazed at the ring. "Ten years ago, I would have done anything to have you say you love me and that you'll be in my life for the rest of it."
"And now here I am, still cannot believe you love me."
Kai's lips twitched into a faint smile as he leaned down, brushing a kiss over her forehead. "You know I love you, Maxie. I think I've loved you from the moment you walked into my life." His voice softened, tinged with sincerity. "I was just too young and stupid to realize how much."
Her eyes sparkled as she propped herself up on her forearm, gazing at him with a mixture of amusement and warmth. "And now? Are you still young and stupid?" she teased.
"Not young anymore," he replied with a smirk, running his hand down her back, tracing lazy circles against her skin. "And as for stupid, well, you're the one marrying me, so what does that say?"
She laughed, the sound light and genuine, before settling back against him. "It says I've got a thing for complicated men with big hearts and even bigger egos."
"Guilty as charged," he murmured, his tone playful but laced with affection. They lay in comfortable silence for a moment, the rhythmic beat of their hearts filling the room.
Breaking the quiet, Maxie shifted slightly. "Do you think we'll be happy, Kai?" Her question was soft, almost hesitant, as though voicing it might shatter the fragile moment.
He looked into her eyes, seeing both hope and vulnerability reflected there. "I think happiness is something we'll build together, Maxie. Brick by brick, step by step. And with you, I know it'll be worth every effort."
She smiled, the kind of smile that reached into the depths of her soul. "You always did have a way with words," she quipped, resting her head against his chest. "But don't think that gets you out of seeing my parents."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he said, though his grin hinted at a touch of nervousness. "But if I survive your mother's wrath and your father's glares, I think we'll be unstoppable."
Maxie's laughter filled the room once more, a sound so full of life it felt as though it could chase away any shadow. "You better be," she said softly, her fingers tracing the lines of his face. "Because I'm not letting you go this time."
"I wouldn't let you, even if you tried," Kai whispered, sealing his words with a kiss that spoke of promises, redemption, and a love that had endured the test of time.
Yvette stared at the ring as if mesmerized. As soon as she arrived at the store, Maxie had called her to come over.
"You got me out of bed at an ungodly hour and before I had a chance to feed our dog, and bitch, I have to say it's entirely worth it."
"Do you mind keeping Brutus a bit longer? I have so much to do that it's going to take up all of my time."
"Of course, I don't mind. We're bonding." She grabbed her friend's hand and lifted it to the light. "It's the most beautiful ring I have ever seen." She glanced at her friend. "And you're serious about getting married in December? Honey, you have shows lined up for the season. How on earth are you going to pull off a December wedding?"
"With my best friend's help and a team of wedding planners that Kai is hiring," she declared with a laugh. It was early yet, and her staff had not arrived for their shifts. December had blown in with gusty winds and icy temperature, giving an indication of what the winter was going to be like. "And Kai's mother would like to be part of the planning. She's such a sweet woman. A bit subservient for my taste, but I really like her."
"And she likes you."
Maxie nodded, still quite not able to believe that she had crossed that particular hurdle.
"His uncles are adorable. They are flying back to Japan tomorrow but will be back in time for the wedding."
"I cannot wait to meet them. I am seriously happy for you darling," her friend told her sincerely. "Who would have thought that after ten years of having your heart shattered—it would be healed by the same man who caused all of the heartbreak."
"We've come full circle," Maxie murmured dreamily. "I never dreamed I would ever see him again or even at the point of becoming his wife. And now here we are."
"Happy endings. I'm a sucker for them."
Chapter 16
With the trunk show a tremendous success behind her and the hectic planning of the wedding, Maxie felt as if she was torn into a million directions. Her parents had cut their travels short and came home a week before the ceremony.
Dinner had been slightly strained at first, but they had both been won over by Kai, who was determined to make up for what he had done to their daughter in the past.
