Page 118 of The French Kiss

CHAPTER28

SIMON

We’re outsidewhat looks like a normal New York City building, a few doors down from a parking garage, and in the other direction is a Taco Bell. But in front of us is a steel roll-down gate secured with a padlock.

“What’s this?” Autumn asks. “I thought we’d go to a hotel.”

“Patience,” I assure her, taking a key out of my pocket. I unlock the gate and roll it up, then unlock the door to lead her inside. At the end of the short entrance hallway is a cargo elevator, where I take Autumn up to the third floor. “We’re here.”

I flip on the lights, revealing the wide-open space. It’s bare, concrete, and large, at least a hundred and fifty square meters, with zero charisma or appeal beyond its location.

Autumn lifts an eyebrow. “Okay, we’re here. What is it?”

“The future home of Autumn Fisher Designs,” I announce without preamble. “What do you think?”

“What? I... but... but how?” She’s stuttering as she examines the studio, completely in shock. “What?”

“I left House Corbin.” Her eyes lock onto me, and she opens her mouth as though she’s about to argue, so I keep going before she can have a chance. “I couldn’t stay after Jacqueline pulled that stunt, but beyond that, it opened my eyes to the truth. I was never going to have an opportunity to fully grow there. I’m Jacqueline’s nephew and will always be seen as such, and nothing more, no matter what I do.”

“You quit House Corbin?” She’s several steps behind me, still processing my explanation, but she’ll catch up. I know she will.

“This space is the start of your dream... my dream...our dream.”

She stares at me vacantly, blinking slowly until she echoes, “Our dream?”

“From here, you can show the world your creative genius. You’re going to help women feel beautiful—no matter their size, shape, or abilities. We can be all-inclusive. And we’re going to do it right by being a hand up for small manufacturers who are paying a living wage, supporting their workers’ health, maybe even giving people a second chance at a job. With your design skills, my business skills, and the connections we already have, we can make it. We’re going to be the good in a difficult, dirty industry.”

“Really?”

It’s sinking in, and hope is starting to fill her eyes. There’s one more thing, though...

“Really. There’s just one catch.” I grin teasingly so she knows it’s not anything bad. In fact, I hope she thinks it’s a great condition of this whole deal.

“And what’s that?” Autumn answers as she runs a finger over the buttons of my shirt.

“You never leave me again.” I’m serious, and my tone reflects that. “I don’t think I could handle being hurt like that again. I’ve been a complete mess since you left.”

The confession is ripped from my heart and laid bare at her feet.

“I didn’t...” She starts to argue, but stops herself as she sees the pain plainly exposed on my face. “You thought I left like... your mom?”

My eyes drop to the floor, but I nod silently.

“I thought I wasn’t good enough for you. I left because I couldn’t stand the idea of sharing you. I don’t share well,” she tells me forcefully.

“Me neither.” I step in closer to cup her jaw in my hands, lifting her face until she looks at me. “That’s why I don’t want that to ever happen again. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

Her smile is soft and sweet, and I trace her bottom lip with my thumb, wanting to feel her happiness. She puckers her lips to place a gentle kiss to the pad of my thumb. “Always.”

HerHarryPotterreference makes me stupidly happy.

“I’m glad you feel that way because...” I drop to one knee before her and take her hand. “Autumn Fisher, I love you with all my heart and want nothing more than the honor of loving you, making you happy, and building a life with you as long as we both shall live. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh, my God! Are you serious?” she shouts, and I can feel her hand shaking in mine. “We’ve only known each other for a month!”

She’s right, but I don’t care. I have never known love until Autumn, and I will do anything to keep it now that I have her here with me. “I love you. And you love me. That’s all that matters.”

There’s a tiny moment that I’m filled with doubt when she doesn’t answer immediately, and then she throws her arms around my neck, tackling me. Lying on top of me on the concrete floor, she kisses me over and over, saying, “Yes, yes, yes.”

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