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“Yes.” She fiddled with her ring. “Your five minutes are up.” She slid the ring from her finger.
Fear and desperation coursed through Leo. He was failing. He was losing her. “Rose, please.”
She held her hands in front of her and slid the ring onto her opposite hand. She met his eyes for the first time. “What would you like to do with the rest of our time together?”
“What?”
She took a step closer. “I’m still upset that you didn’t tell me the truth from the beginning. But after listening to your mother and your explanation, I think I understand why. You’re right. I came here with a lot of justified prejudice against the wealthy, and I let that cloud my reaction to your identity.” She rested her hand on his cheek. “But I fell in love with you too. Your switched roles allowed me to know you as Leo the man. I never would’ve given Leo the billionaire the time of day. I suppose I have forgiveness to ask for too.”
He wrapped her hand in his. “You forgive me?”
“That depends,” she said with a teasing gleam in her eye.
“On what?”
“On how well you kiss me.” She grinned.
Leo captured her smiling mouth with his own and kissed her breathless and senseless. His future, their future, depended on this kiss, and Leo left nothing to chance. He poured his love for Rose into each point of contact, hungry for her to love him and forgive him. He trailed kisses across her cheek, down her jaw, along her neck, and back up to her perfect lips.
With ragged breath, he asked, “Am I forgiven?”
“Well . . .” Rose pretended to waver in her decision. “I suppose I could keep you standing here all night kissing me to earn it . . . but then we’d be right back here where we are now.” She gave him a sly look. “Might be a waste of time. I do like my sleep.”
“A sacrifice I’m willing to make. I’ll kiss you as long as it takes.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight. He dipped his head. “I’m a little less stubborn. I’ve already forgiven you for your prejudice against my wealth.” He brushed his lips against hers.
She laughed, and he twirled her around.
“Besides, we need to give the children the happy news,” he said.
“And what’s that?”
“No new nanny. That you’re staying.” A claw of fear gripped his heart. “You are staying, aren’t you?”
She gave him a swift kiss. “I’m staying.”
Joy filled him, and he kissed her longer this time, letting the world fall away. For him there was only Rose, his Rose. Energy ebbed and flowed between them as kisses were exchanged and murmured declarations of love given. Fires were ignited and banked for a future time when they could fully rage.
“Rose.”
“Yes?” She turned to look at the water, her back pressed against his chest, with his arms wrapped around her.
“I know Robert will always have a place in your heart, just as Nia will in mine. But I also know there is room for you, and I believe you have room for me too.”
“I do.”
“Our love will be different from what we had with either of them, but I hope our relationship will be as great.”
He saw the curve of her smile.
“I know what you’re trying to say.”
“We both know life is to be cherished because it can end at any moment. I’d like to cherish you for the rest of my days.”
She turned in his arms to face him. “What are you saying?”
“I’d like to upgrade you from nanny to equal life partner, wife, and mother.”
“That’s quite a proposal.” She twined her hands around his neck, a mischievous look on her face. “Will there be a prenup?”