Page 183 of Severed Rivalry
“And you think this is a good idea? To put them in that situation?”
“I think they’ve never been given a choice on anything in their lives.”
Everything ceases.
Her heavy breathing.
The frantic cleaning.
Everything.
“I think it sucks, and I wouldn’t want Renée in that position ever. I’d torture anyone who gave her the option. But if I’ve learned one thing this last week, it’s that not having the choice is someone controlling you. And I won’t be to them what Jonas is.”
Unshed tears pooling in her eyes, she stands and rushes me. Pressing up to her toes, she lifts her arms around my neck and kisses me like she never has before.
“Oh, cool. She said yes then?”
Sariah’s body goes stone stiff, and her eyes open to hold mine. “What?”
That one-word is so low even I can barely hear it. Renée certainly can’t.
“Yay. I didn’t expect you to ask so soon, but I’m happy for both of you. Can I see the ring?”
Sariah
His eyes fall closed, and I’m left to wonder if he’s disappointed.My daughter deciding me kissing him was something more than it is couldn’t have worse timing.
“Renée, I…”
“Wait right here.” Cian strides down the hall to our bedroom, returning moments later.
He looks at Renée and winks before dropping to one knee in front of me.
Time stands still.
“Sariah, I’ve loved you from the time I’ve known what love is. I’ve only ever loved you. I want all your days. All your good ones and all your bad ones and whatever life throws at us. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Yes. A million yeses wouldn’t be enough.
The tears that threatened to fall pour down my cheeks. “Yes. Of course, yes. It’s only ever been you, Cian.”
He flips open a gray ring box, and my mouth parts.
Unladylike or no, my eyes bug, and I start to reach before drawing back my fingers. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”
“Are you apologizing for wanting your ring?” His chuckle is music to my ears and my heart as he slips the ring from its holder and slides it onto my finger. An oval cut diamond, clear and bright, sits in a halo of pink diamonds, those encircled again by more brilliant white ones.
I stare and stare some more. Renée runs around Cian, still on one knee, and grabs my hand. “Whoa. That’s awesome. And it’s pink like your peonies. I’m glad I said yes.” As if my whole world hasn’t been rocked, she skips away. “Come on, Ellie. Sun’s a-wasting. Let’s let the old people have their moment.”
I’d be insulted if I could do anything other than stare, my mouth hanging open at my own left hand.
“Ci, it’s… I’m… Renée…”
He rises from his place on the floor, pulls my hand to his lips, and places a kiss right where his ring rests at my knuckle.
“Complete sentences, Angel.”
But I never get the chance. He pulls me flush to his body, one hand fists my hair, angling my head as he takes my mouth. Theother arm wraps low around my back bringing me in contact with his perfect body.
