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“You…You do?”
“Of course I do. I know who you are. You are the most honorable, loyal, honest person I have ever met. As well as funny, and gorgeous, and so incredibly strong. I think I’ve listened to that recording at least a hundred times and it breaks my heart every time.”
“I know, I’m?—”
“But not for the reason you’re thinking.” He slipped his arms around my waist.
I was shaking all over and it was only the fact that he was holding me so tight that I was still standing. “Tell me why, then.”
“Because I could picture you, the look on your face when you told him those lies. I knew what it cost you. How it made you feel. And I knew you were doing it for me, because that’s who you are. And that’s why I love you.”
“Oh.” It was a lot to take in all at once, but all my mind could focus on was theI love you,bit. “You love me?”
Oh god, that look in his eyes could melt me. “Yes. With everything I am.”
“That’s…Oh, that’s just so amazing.” I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, so I let them go, burying my face in Grayson’s chest. Letting out a shuddering breath as he wrapped his arms around me. It was hard to process the fact that it was finally over, that the shadow of Ethan Blackwood was being dragged out the door in handcuffs.
And now I could bask in the pure light of Grayson’s love for me. I pulled back, smiling when he wiped the tears from my cheeks. “I love you, too. So, so much.”
He dropped his forehead to mine and just held me, like he was trying to soak me in.
“It’s finally over.”
Brushing a soft kiss against my lips, he said, “Yes, it is. Now we’re going to your place, where you’re going to pack a bag and Patti. Then we’re going to the beach house, where we’re going to make up for all of that lost time.”
“Banging, you mean?”
He chuckled. “Well, among other things.” Linking his fingers with mine, he turned towards the door. “I’d like to start planning the wedding.”
That stopped me dead in my tracks. “What did you just say?”
He turned back to me and that adorable dimple flashed. “You heard me.”
It felt too good to be true. “I think I heard you, but can you just say it again, so I can be sure?”
We were getting some curious looks, and I knew Daniel was hovering nearby, ready to start the interview process. But I only noticed those things subliminally, because all my attention was on Grayson. Oh god, he was pulling a ring box from his pocket.
He seemed a little nervous, which made me love him even more. “Stefania. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You turn me inside out and upside down. I feel more alive with you than I ever have. I love you. Will you marry me?” He opened the box and inside was a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring.
Blinking back the tears, I nodded.
“You will?”
My heart was soaring. “Yes. I will marry you, Grayson. I can’t wait.” Taking the ring from the box, he slipped it on my finger. “It’s perfect. I love it.” I slid my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest. Just over his heart. “And I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
CHAPTER 50
Stefania - Epilogue
Ishifted on the seat of the limo, trying desperately not to tear my incredibly fancy dress. It was deep, sparkly blue and so tight it looked like it was painted on. “Is this a terrible way to spend our third anniversary?”
“Only if you lose.”
“Ha! Thanks for that.”
Grayson covered my fidgeting hands with his own. “Relax, sweetheart. You’ll be fine, either way.”