Page 47 of His Perfect Gift

“Is that right, Princess?”

She nodded with certainty. “One hundred percent. I love you.”

“You’re sure?” I quirked an eyebrow playfully, yet my chest felt like it would explode with joy.

“I’m more certain than I’ve ever been in my life.” She gripped the front of my shirt, yanking me to her. “Now kiss me.”

“With pleasure. I can never deny you anything.” I drove my lips over hers, ravishing her mouth. My hands slid down to her ass, pressing her against me. I kissed her until she moaned and molded into me like a second skin.

I ripped my mouth away because now was the time. The perfect moment. Don’t ask me how I knew, but I felt it deep in my soul. Call it serendipity or some romantic shit. I set her aside.

“Where are you going?” she huffed in surprise.

“I have something important I need to do.” I loped over to the barstool where my black dress coat was draped over the back.

“Important?” I heard her call out behind me, and she sounded annoyed. I smiled widely.

“Yeah. Very important. Life-altering.” I dug through the pocket and clutched the velvet box in my palm.

“Oh. Sounds serious.”

“Very.” I smoothed a hand over my chest.

“Is there some way I can help you?”

“I certainly hope so.” I rounded the sofa and slowed my steps, placing my hands behind my back.

“How?” She rose to her knees, gazing up at me with concern and love.

“You could say… yes.” I dipped down on one knee in front of her and brought my hand out, holding the box flat in my palm in front of her. I saw the moment her expression changed as she stared, and her hands slid over her mouth.

“Aaron?” Her eyes glistened. “What are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing?” I smiled at her tenderly.

“Are you serious?”

“Very serious.” I thumbed at a tear trailing from her eye. “Marry me.” I pulled the lid open, displaying a platinum engagement ring set in diamonds.

“Yes!” Tears poured down her face. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” She hurled her arms around me, raining frantic kisses all over my face. I clutched her chin and kissed her like the world was falling apart.

When we finally came up for air, I said, “I love you, Princess.”

“I love you, too, Daddy Aaron.”

Six Weeks Later

“Mrs. Thomas?”

“Yes,” Natalie and I both answered at the same time. We were sitting in a restaurant at a five-star hotel, where we were staying in the Dominican Republic.

“Which room should we charge this to?”

“I’ve got this.” Nausea crept up again, and I forced a smile at Natalie, giving our waiter my room number.

Why was I in the Dominican Republic, you ask? Aaron and I were getting married tomorrow. On Valentine’s Day. Aaron asked me when I wanted to get married, and what better day than the day we celebrate romance and love? I took the bill and smiled, signing off quickly. I might not officially be Mrs. Thomas until tomorrow, but I knew in my heart I already was.

We’d landed here this morning, and tomorrow would be the big day when Aaron and I would tie the knot. I was so excited, but I couldn’t keep anything down since last night. I was afraid I was coming down with something, but I wasn’t running a fever because I’d checked several times today. However, I’d been very tired lately and was taking more naps.

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