Page 244 of Duty and Desire
“It’s not too soon,” I said, eyes getting misty. “Though you still haven’t said that you love me. Like, ever.”
The twin slashes of his dark brows drew together. “Haven’t I?”
“No. Not once.” I lightly poked him in the shoulder. “I’ve told you, Ziggy, but you have yet to say it back.”
“I could have sworn I had.”
“Nope. To be honest, it’s been bugging me more than a little. But I decided to give it another week before I kicked your ass over it.”
“You’ve been cranky about that and you still made my favorite chocolate cake for me anyway?”
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for you.”
“The feeling’s entirely mutual.”
The ties on my apron loosened, the chocolate-smudged material falling to the ground at our feet. His hands cupped my face, mine sitting on his broad shoulders. “Here’s the thing…I love you, Mae, and I have no fucking clue what I did without you all those years. You’re my home, my whole damn world. You give me peace and happiness and I promise to always love and respect you and treat you like the queen that you are. I’m telling you now, you can trust me. Always.”
“You’re going to make me cry.”
“Don’t cry, sweetness,” he murmured. “I’m not finished yet. Now I know you’re already wearing the ring, but I’ll ask anyway so there’s no confusion. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, Ziggy. As a matter of fact, I will.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” I sniffed. “That was quite poetic, you know? Very romantic.”
“Glad you approve. Enough talking now.” Then he smiled and kissed me. A soul deep, world falling away, perfection in and of itself kind of kiss that could never be forgotten. My toes curled and my heart happy-sighed. And we did no more talking for a good long while.
