Page 123 of Always You
He grins, showing his white, bright teeth. “My brother, the romantic.” He shakes his head laughing.
“Hey, when you find love, you’ll be Mr. Romanic, all gooey on the inside.”
He scoffs with a smile. “I don’t see that happening.”
“Oh, it will.” I wink.
He pats my back. “Take care and of my little nephew or niece.”
“Laters.”
Santiago jumps into his pickup. Opening the envelope, I read.
Angel, this place has so many significant memories of us and, most of all, your dad. So, in honor of him, I bought this place. We’re the new owners of our second restaurant, baby. How about we call it Mila’s Diner? Let me know what you think, or you can name it anything you want, baby.
I gasp with shock. I break down with an ugly cry. God, Dominic is so amazing. He bought this place for us… for my dad.
Last stop, baby. This next stop is our favorite spot. The night you became mine seven years ago.
The beach is our spot behind the rock. Smiling goofily, I melt with all these memories. We were wild and free teenagers, having sex anywhere we could. Our prime spot was the beach, a giant rock blocking anyone from seeing us. Taking off my sandals, I walk along the coast. I feel the fresh, moist sand on my bare feet. My two guys stand waiting for me. Dominic looks hot in his jeans that fit him perfectly, along with a black t-shirt which hugs his biceps, muscles popping out of them. Dante is dressed similarly to his father. They look so cute. A smile breezes over me when my eyes catch the heart traced on the sand with Dominic and Mila. I’m crying all over again, damn you… hormones. Dominic jogs to me. His handsome face is washed with concern.
“Baby, are you okay… what happened?” he asks as I throw my arms around him, sobbing. “Baby, you’re scaring me. Did someone hurt you?” He pulls me away from his hard body, his eyes roaming up and down my body with concern.
“No, no, I’m fine.”
“Thank the fuck, you scared me, but why are you crying?”
“The restaurant; you bought it?” I ask.
He frowns worriedly, his hands still wrapped around me. “Shit, I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you. I should have asked you first.”
I cup my hands on his cheek. My eyes pinned on his. “I-I love you. You’re right. We have so many good m-memories, it’s perfect. I’m just o-overwhelmed with emotions. I- love you, Dominic. You’re the most amazing man. My d-dad would be p-proud of you.” My sobs make it hard to talk.
A bulge in his throat wrenches up and down.
Dante runs to us. “Hi, Mommy, I got some crap in my bucket.”
“Crap? You have crap in your bucket?” I ask worriedly.
He nods. “Yes.”
Dominic barks a laugh, head tilting back, laughing. “He means crabs.”
“Oh.” I laugh too.
Dominic hands me a red rose, holding my hand as we walk behind the rock. I’m lost in the fresh breeze of the ocean, blue waves hitting the rock, seagulls squawking. I am overcome by a sense of calm. I turn to look for Dominic, he’s kneeling and looking right at me. My heart beats wildly, gasping when I see the box in his hand. My hand slaps over my mouth. His eyes are glossy, those whiskey eyes, gaze at me with so much love.
“Angel, I love you more than words can say. Loving you is the happiest I’ve ever been. You’re my soulmate, my other half. Without you, Angel, I’m empty. I hate the feeling of emptiness. I never want to feel it again. Until we are gray and old, I want to be with you. Even in another life, I’ll find you. I know I don’t deserve you, baby. You’re too good for me, but I promise I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to deserve you. God, Angel, I’m so in love with you. You’re my queen, my everything. Mila Amaro, will you marry me, baby? Spend the rest of your life with me.”
I’m a sobbing mess. I throw myself on him, knocking us both to the ground. “Yes!” I scream. “I’ll marry you.”
I hear clapping all around us. Dominic slides the beautiful ring on my finger. He slams his lips on mine. Pulling away, he smiles with satisfaction, leaning my forehead onto his.
“I love you so much.”
I still haven’t glanced to see who’s around us, reveling in the special moment.
“This was a perfect proposal, baby, everything a girl can dream of.”
