Page 128 of Protected from Malice
Rafe gets up from the couch and drops to one knee in front of me.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. Then, he flips it open to reveal a sparkling diamond nestled inside it.
“Eden,” he starts. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to ask. I know romance isn’t my thing, but I wanted it to be special. Something that representedus.”
“Rafe.” My voice wobbles.
He takes my hand, wrapping his around it. His gaze searches out mine. “I love you, Eden. More than I ever knew it was possible to love someone. And—” He swallows again. “It’s only ever been you. From the first time I met you, no one else could even come close. I didn’t think I had a chance. I didn’t think I deserved you. But?—”
“You do.” Tears burst free, spilling down my cheeks. “You deserveeverything, Rafe. I promise.”
“I don’t need everything,” he replies roughly. “I just need you. And Eden, if you agree to marry me, I swear, I will spend my life doing everything in my power to make you happy. To protect you. To prove you made the right decision by saying yes.”
“Rafe—” It’s hard to speak past the emotion thickening my throat. “You don’t have to prove anything. I already know.”
Hope flashes across his face. “You know?”
“Yes. Absolutely, yes. I know it’s the right decision. Marrying you? There’s no question. Of course I want to. I’ve been hoping you’d ask.”
Rafe cups my cheek as he gazes at me with love in his eyes. “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
“Yes.” I lunge forward to fling my arms around him. My lips crash down on his. I kiss him with all the love coursing through my body. With all the joy exploding out of it. “Yes, Rafe. I willabsolutelymarry you.”
His eyes close for a second. When they open, his eyes shine with unshed tears. “Baby. I can’t even tell you… I’m so happy.” With a shaking hand, he takes out the ring and slides it onto my finger. “I’m justsohappy.”
Oh.
I can’t stop crying.
But they’re tears of happiness.
Of wishes that finally came true.
“Rafe.” I hug him again. “I’m so happy, too.”
