Page 75 of The Arrogant Billionaire

I pass the living room, where another box of Rosie’s is stashed, along with her toys and other bits and pieces, and as my dress shoes click on the marble floor, I catch myself humming for the first time in… forever.

“Thought I would find you here,” I say, stepping into the library, a room that once was like a museum. But now it’s filled with so many books, candles, and cozy blankets, this room being Em’s domain, and where both my girls spend most of their time.

“This book is sooo good. The couple finally got together, and it was hot!” Em says, not even looking at me, her head buried in her latest romance novel. I watch her as her eyes run quickly across the page. She reads almost a book a day.

“How hot?” I ask with a chuckle, taking another slow step toward her.

“Like superhot. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and marched her to bed,” she says, still not looking at me.

“What a Neanderthal.”

“Total Neanderthal, but I love it.” She giggles, winking up at me, before she goes back to reading and turning the page.

I don’t wait a second longer as I lean over and grab her, hauling her up off the comfy armchair.

“Ben!” she shrieks in laughter, her hands gripping on to me, her book hitting the floor as I hoist her over my shoulder and start walking us out of the room.

“Where are you taking me?” She laughs louder, and I can’t help but slap her ass, which is positioned right at my shoulder.

“To bed, Doubtfire,” I say as my pace quickens. My appetite for her has only grown since we have been together. I am ravenous for her daily. As soon as I get to our room, I’m tossing her onto the bed and shutting the door behind us, stalking toward her like she’s my prey.

“You are crazy!” she says, laughing, her smile warming me even more.

“Oh, before I forget, I booked it,” I say trying to act casual, but watching her carefully.

“Booked what?” she asks as she starts to unbutton my dress shirt.

“The celebrant.” She stops then, eyes widening as she stares up at me. My favorite sight, her looking up at only me.

“Celebrant?” she whispers, her eyes starting to get glassy.

“You have worn my ring all year. Now that the past is finally dealt with, I want you to be my wife,” I state, because I want her and Rosie to commit to me, to have my last name, for us to be a real family. We couldn’t do it before with such a dark shadow over us. But Jeremy is now gone, and our life can finally begin.

“We’re getting married,” she says, her lips quirking in the corners.

“Saturday at two in the afternoon. Here at the estate. If you will still have me?” I ask, feeling vulnerable suddenly. I gave her a ring, but I never asked her to marry me. Now the nerves that most men probably feel when they are down on one knee start to creep into my body, and I swallow as I watch her, waiting for her response.

“Well, I need to check my calendar…” she says in jest, a smile spreading across her face.

“Just block out the next two weeks. I also booked our honeymoon… George will stay here with Rosie,” I add at the last minute, knowing that she would ask.

“Honeymoon?”

“Is that a yes, baby?” I ask, still needing to hear the words. My hands stay firmly on her waist, keeping her close.

“Yes. Yes. A million yeses!” she squeals as she jumps up on the bed and throws herself at me. And I catch her.

Just like I promised I always would.

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