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“Stunned. Mamá and Papá started making this move before I lost the promotion, so nothing I did triggered the sale.”

“I’d say everything you’ve done for years made it possible.”

She tugged his ear. “They saw us kissing in the car.”

“I’m happy for the whole world to see us kissing in a car.”

“They guessed I was in love with you.”

“My mum seems to have worked it out too.”

“I had my own plan,” she confessed, sliding one hand into his hair. “I was going to pay the mortgage, no board and no pocket money for my sisters. I’d lined up a few hospitality shifts to get my share of rent money for an apartment, and was going to ask you to share, if you’d take me?”

“You weren’t leaving me?” He pushed to his feet with her in his arms.

“Well, to be honest”—Bea linked her arms around his neck—"full-time work plus some hospitality shifts would have restricted our time together, but I decided quality was better than quantity.” She pressed her mouth to his ear. “I want you in my life, Casildo. Not just the occasional work function, but in my every day. I’m only half-living without you.”

His grip tightened. “Since we’re sharing all our secrets, I’ve been designing fabrics for you.”

“You don’t design clothing fabrics.”

“For you, I’m making an exception.”

“Is that where we’re going? To see your designs?” She pressed a kiss to his temple.

“We’re going to share some quality time.” He nudged the bedroom door open with his hip.

She giggled. “I have an idea for your company name.”

“Tell me.”

“Wahida.”

“Jaddatee’s name.” His mouth split into a smile she never thought she’d see again. “That’s brilliant.” He lowered her feet to the floor.

“You gave me the idea.” She wrapped her arms around his chest, holding tightly to banish the fear she’d had they wouldn’t be able to find a way through this. “You said you and Mo emphasised unique. I looked up your jaddatee’s name. It means unique, singular, rare and beautiful. It seemed right.”

“It’s better than right.”

“I’m still punch drunk, processing, still half in the hell where I thought I’d lost you forever. I don’t want you—us—making decisions because we’re overdosing on happiness.” She cupped his jaw with her hand. “You don’t have to marry me.”

“What if I want to?” he asked.

“Why?”

“Because you keep your promises. Because if you make a promise to me, I know you’ll keep it. You make me feel invincible, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.”

“Mo’s already taken the name Sunshine Superman.” She brushed a kiss to his lips.

“More than one superhero can leap tall buildings in a single bound.”

“My superhero knowledge is clearly lacking. Have you told your family?”

“I asked for their help with my business. Said I loved you, but you had family responsibilities limiting your options. They’re good with family responsibilities. My dad’s proud of me. But they offered to give me references if you needed any convincing.”

“We don’t need to rush into marriage, so long as we take our next steps together.”

“Thank you, Jaddatee.” He lifted her high in his arms and tossed her onto the bed.

“Have I said I love you?”

“Tell me again.”