Page 34 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

Grace smiles encouragingly, her gaze locked with mine.

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone. It’s intense. It’s scary. It’sgood. I can’t picture my life without you in it. Marry me, Grace.”

She laughs and I’m momentarily confused, but I catch on quickly. I made that a demand, not a question. Good thing she likes me the way I am.

My lips twist into a smile and I add, “Please?”

That sends her into another fit of laughter. “Oh, Rowan. Of course, I will.”

Breathing easier, I slide the ring onto her finger and stand. She launches herself at me and, holding her tight, I embrace my future with her.

Epilogue

Grace

One year later...

“Are you ready?”

I smile at Dad. “I’m ready.”

He offers an arm, and we begin our march up the aisle. My heart gallops.

Not because I’m nervous, though. I’m eager to get this new chapter started with Rowan. We had a yearlong engagement because my considerate husband-to-be wanted me to have time to settle into my life after graduation.

I’m comfortable in my job teaching art to kids. It doesn’t pay much, but it’s my passion. I do make a nice chuck of change selling my paintings, though. I’ve developed quite the fan base with my number one supporter—Rowan—always encouraging me to put my work out there.

Now here we are, about to get married. It isn’t a huge wedding, just our families and closest friends, but it’s traditional.

I honestly didn’t think we’d be here this soon. With him, I thought it would take a few years before he was ready to say, “I do.” But here we are, and I’m happy.

I’m wearing a fussy white dress because my sister and mother planned the wedding. It was a bit of a nightmare; their combined taste is so extravagant. But I pushed that aside to be happy about us doing something together. I mean, Mom and Italked. It was... nice.

She’s presently smiling at me from her seat and it’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. I know what that satisfied grin is about. While she helped me get dressed, she told me she’s proud of me. Just as I was about to get emotional to finally hear those words from her, she revealed it’s because I’m “marrying well.” Mom is still crazy, but we’re getting somewhere.

I walk past a few of Rowan’s friends from the fire station.

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