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Leon slid his hands around my waist, pulling me so close I could press my cheek against the firm line of his shoulder. His cologne—earthy sandalwood with a hint of spiced amber—drifted into my senses, and I savored the taut strength of his embrace.
“It’s so good to see you,” I murmured into the cotton of his crisp white shirt, my breath catching on each syllable.
He let out a low chuckle. “I’m not sure I can let you go now that you’re here.”
“Then don’t,” I whispered back, tilting my chin to meet his gaze.
He gave me that slow, tender smile he reserved just forme, the kind that made hope flood through every cell. “Come with me, please.”
He wove my fingers through his and led me past the iron gate where the dogs had scampered off—ears flopping, paws pounding the flagstone path.
Beyond the gate, the house revealed its secret face. The terrace dropped away into a vast panorama of cliff and sky, anchored by an infinity pool whose water merged with the ocean’s silken horizon.
Along the pool’s edge, terracotta pots overflowed with magenta bougainvillea and scarlet geraniums, their blossoms nodding in the sea breeze.
I paused, palm pressed against the smooth stone balustrade. “Leon, it’s breathtaking. Your description at lunch couldn’t begin to capture this.”
“I’m glad you think so,” he said. “I find great peace here. When I’m stressed out from work, I sit here in the garden by the pool and stare out at the sea. It’s so huge, it reminds me that whatever I’m dealing with is surely not as important as I’m making it out to be.”
He guided me toward a white gazebo tucked into the corner of the terrace. Three marble steps led up to its shaded platform, where sunlight filtered through intricately carved arches, painting lacework patterns on the flagstones.
In the center, a round table draped in moss-green linen held a banquet: a basket of freshly baked brioche, a silver ice bucket cradling chilled champagne, plates of ruby-red strawberries and slices of tropical mango, and at its heart a tall glassvase bursting with white lilies whose petals caught stray sunbeams.
My breath hitched. I spun in a slow circle, the hem of my dress swirling.
“This is pure magic,” I exclaimed. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairy tale.”
“Well, that’s convenient.” He sank to one knee so softly I barely heard the stone meet his tailored trousers. My spinning came to an abrupt halt.
A gasp escaped me when he opened a small black velvet box. Inside sat the most beautiful gold ring, adorned with an array of sparkling sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.
My heart skipped a beat, and I could barely breathe at the sight of it.
“Calista Vitalis,” he said, voice trembling with devotion, “would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears blurred my vision as emotion pooled in my throat. “Oh, Leon…” I covered his hand with my own, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my palm.
“I know you picked me first, Cali, but I would have chosen you over any other woman in the universe. I want you to know that.”
“Yes, of course! Yes!” I cried with joy.
He rose, the ring glinting between us, and slid it onto my finger.
I held my hand out, marveling at its weight and how the gems caught the light. “It’s perfect—just like you.”
Leon enveloped me in his embrace, and we shared a slow kiss, as the world faded away to the gentle connection of hislips on mine. When he eventually pulled away, I wiped the tears from my cheeks and kissed him again, resting my face against his chest.
“I hope you like it,” he whispered, his breath warm against my hair.
I said, my tears warm and bright, “I adore it.”
He pressed a tender kiss to my forehead. “I’m sorry it took me so long. I had it custom made—you deserve something as unique as you are.”
“Thank you.” I kissed him and then wrapped my arms around him. “You really aren’t evil incarnate after all. You’re more like a tender teddy bear.”
“Don’t say that around anyone else, please.” He brushed a kiss across my lips. “I’m only like this with you, my darling.”
“Lucky me,” I said as he kissed me again, his arms wrapped tightly around me, his ring wound firmly around my finger.