Page 135 of Code of Heart

Levi’s heart gave a helpless, hopeless lurch.

He was definitely screwed.

Though this time, he welcomed it. He would fight like hell to prove he was worthy of her love—and of the honor of being her husband.

He knew it wasn’t forgiveness. Not yet…but it washope, and for now, that was enough.

There was so much work to do, so much to repair, if they were ever going to have the relationship they both deserved.

Looking back, it was painfully clear how quickly they’d rushed into this, especially the physical side of their relationship. He had fallen into old patterns again, letting work take over, staying late at the office instead of coming home to her, instead of prioritizing her and building something real between them.

The weight that lifted, however, was now replaced by a different one—the weight of the wedding rings still in his possession.

He hadn’t given them back or dared bring them up, and she hadn’t asked for them.

His ring remained on his finger, a constant reminder of the vow he refused to break, even when it felt like everything had fallen apart. But she deserved more. Their beginning deserved more.

A real wedding. Not the courthouse disaster Owen had thrown together. Not a day that existed only in the blurry snapshots of paparazzi gossip columns.

That memory didn’t sit well with Levi, the residual anger from that day bubbling to the surface.

No…If they were going to rebuild, he wanted to do it right.

Which meant one thing: he needed to plan the perfect proposal.

To do that, he needed to solicit a little outside help from someone who could give him perspective.

His mind drifted to Estrella, remembering her earlier offer...

It was time to swallow his pride and schedule that appointment. No way was he leaving anything to chance, not if he was going to fight for her with everything he had.

CHAPTER 55

Aurelia

“I’d like to formally submit a request to the lady of the house to reconsider the terms of my atonement,” Levi pleaded, panic lacing his voice as he stood behind the kitchen island like a man facing execution.

They’d slept in late after returning from the hospital, and though it was well past lunchtime, it was still too early for dinner.

Aurelia had agreed to let him start making amends. She had just told him what that entailed…and Levi was horrified.

“You’re the one who begged for the chance to earn my forgiveness,” Aurelia reminded him sweetly, barely holding back her laughter. “This happens to feel like a perfect first step. Request denied.”

Levi looked absolutely betrayed.

“But…wetalkedabout this…” he tried again, his eyes darting from her to the recipe lying on the counter like it was a death sentence.

“We did,” Aurelia agreed, all innocent mischief as she tapped the recipe Levi now glared at like it had personally offended him. “And it would make me feelso much betterif you made this for us to enjoytogethertonight. I’ll walk you through every detail—each ingredient, every step—so we can enjoy ittogether.”

For one dramatic second, Levi gazed longingly at the trash can, clearly weighing his options.

Aurelia arched an eyebrow, her expression saying exactly what she didn’t need to voice:Are you serious right now? Stop being a baby.

With a deep, soul-weary sigh, Levi dragged his eyes back to the recipe, shoulders slumping in defeat.

“I guess we’re havingBraised Pea and Chouriço Soupfor dinner,” he muttered under his breath, as if announcing the end of the world.

Aurelia burst out laughing.