Page 42 of Cream
Above the glass roof, the universe opened in all its incredible vastness. I could distinguish even the tiny flickering stars among the big ones. A thin line flashed across the sky, too quick for me to be sure if it was a comet or not, but maybe if I waited longer…
A warm hand touched my arm. Half expecting the waiter, I turned my head to the side, only to see Morton kneeling there.
Kneeling.
He gazed at me with intent, wearing the same determined expression he had in meetings to cover his nervousness.
My heart hammered against my ribcage.
He took a breath and grabbed my hand in both of his.
“Maybe it would be wise to wait. But for what? I already know nobody will ever compare to you. I love you, Jamie. And it feels so good to finally say it out loud. I love you.”
I couldn’t say anything through the lump in my throat, but I didn’t have to because Morton wasn’t done.
“You know me. You know every humiliating detail that I have tried to hide from the rest of the world. You know my every weakness and every mistake I’ve made. If you want me despite all of that, is it conceited of me to hope you’ll say yes?”
I shook my head, my eyes burning. Not conceited at all. Despite all his success and wealth, Morton had a better grip on his ego than any alpha I’d ever met.
“Will you marry me, Jamie? Will you be my husband and have a family with me?”
I nodded like a bobblehead. I tried to say yes, but it came out as a little squeak.
Morton looked confused but hopeful, so I squeezed his hand back before reaching for my glass. I took a gulp, then cleared my throat.
“Yes,” I said.
His face lit up with a breathtaking smile. He fumbled for his jacket pocket and pulled out a gold band, a simple one, nothing gaudy, because he really did know me well, just like I knew him.
Hell, we’d been kind of married already, except without all the fun parts.
He slid the ring on my finger and stared at my hand for a moment. Caressing it, he sighed.
“I still can’t believe you’re finally mine, Jamie.”
“I love you.” There. This was a great moment to finally say the three words.
Morton’s eyes widened, and he seemed a little surprised, poor guy. But of course, I loved him. What did he think? Cupping his cheek, I leaned in to kiss him on his parted lips.
“Now get up, you’re ruining your pants.”
“They’re just pants.”
“But I like your ass in these.”
That made him chuckle. Not letting go of my hand, he moved back to the chair facing me and interlaced our fingers on the table.
“Should we light the candle for a bit?” I asked. “I want to see your face.”
Morton waved at the server, who lit the candle before leaving us alone. I appreciated that he didn’t hover. I could easily forget about him even being here.
I gazed at my Mr. Hartley, my fiancé, and…
I groaned. “Shit.”
Morton frowned, startled by my outburst. “What is it?”
“I’ve been engaged to two different men in one year. I’m one ofthosepeople.”
