Page 32 of Dark Shaman: Eternal Hope (The Children Of The Gods #100)

Soraya was quiet for a moment and then turned to Arezoo. "What do you say to this?"

Arezoo reached over and took Ruvon's hand, interlacing their fingers on top of the table where everyone could see. "I say that Ruvon has shown me all of these things. But most importantly, he never doubted me in anything. His trust in me is absolute, and that's precious to me."

Arezoo was right about him trusting her absolutely, but he hadn't known that it was so important to her.

Soraya studied him for a long moment, then looked at her sisters and daughters, each in turn. Some form of silent communication seemed to pass between them, a conversation conducted entirely in glances and subtle expressions.

"Maman," Arezoo said softly, "Ruvon is the one for me. I know it, everyone around this table knows it, and deep in your heart you know that too."

Soraya's expression softened. "You're very young, my Arezoo. Nineteen is too young to make such a commitment."

"You were younger than me when you married Father."

"That was different, and you know it. I didn't have a choice, but you do. You can do whatever you want, choose any path. Why limit yourself?"

Ruvon cleared his throat. "I will never limit Arezoo. She can choose any path, become whoever she wants to be. I just want to accompany her on her journey."

That seemed to break the last of Soraya's resistance, and she reached for his hand, clasping it with surprising force. "Look into my eyes, Ruvon."

He did, his heart pounding. This felt very much like a pronouncement was coming.

"Do you love my daughter?"

"Yes," he said without hesitation. "With everything I am."

"Will you keep her safe?"

"With my life."

"Will you always respect her?"

"Always," he said. "Arezoo is extraordinary and deserving of respect, not just mine but everyone's. She is brilliant, kind, and brave, and just being with her makes me a better person. She's a force of good in this world."

Soraya nodded. "My daughter has chosen you. I see the way she looks at you, the way she lights up when you enter the room. I see the way you look at her, too, like she's the sun and you're the moon orbiting her."

Ruvon nodded, lost for words.

"I won't pretend I'm not concerned. The age difference between you is staggering, even though it is not evident from just looking at you. But there is a certain innocence in you that belies your chronological age."

He chuckled, but it was humorless. "I wish I could just nod and agree, but there is no innocence left in me."

"I disagree." Soraya patted his hand. "You are innocent in love. You've never been in love before." Soraya was quiet for a moment, then she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek, a maternal gesture that surprised him. "You have my blessing," she said.

The room erupted. The children jumped up and down, cheering. Arezoo let out a sound that was half-laugh, half-sob, and her sisters applauded. Max and Arezoo's aunts were grinning.

"Wait," Ruvon said, his voice cutting through the celebration. "There's...there's something else."

The room quieted again, and he could feel Arezoo's eyes on him, confused. "I don't know if this is the right time." His hand found the box in his pocket, and he pulled it out, turning to Arezoo.

Her eyes widened as he dropped to one knee beside her chair. "If you want me to put it back in my pocket and save it for another time, just tell me to stop."

She shook her head. "I don't want you to stop." She pressed both hands to her mouth, tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm not great with words, so I'm just going to say what's in my heart.

Every morning when I wake up, you're my first thought.

Every night before I fall asleep, I thank the universe for bringing you into my life.

You make everything brighter, better, more meaningful.

I don't want to imagine a future without you in it. "

He opened the box, revealing the ring he'd recognized at first glance as the one for his Arezoo. A simple band with a single diamond, modest but perfect, like his intended .

"Will you marry me? It doesn't have to be anytime soon. It can be years from now. I just want to know that our future is entwined."

For a moment, she just stared at him, then she dropped to her knees in front of him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes, I will marry you, Ruvon."

The room exploded again, but he barely heard it. All that mattered was Arezoo in his arms.

When they finally pulled apart, he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, which he had known it would.

"You're really family now." Soraya pulled him into an embrace that felt genuine. "I would call you son, but given that you are probably much older than me, I'll keep using your name."

He nodded. "So, I guess calling you Mother is out of the question?"

She chuckled. "I prefer you keep calling me Soraya."

"Let me see the ring!" Donya demanded, grabbing her sister's hand.

"It's beautiful," Laleh said, crowding close.

"It's perfect," Arezoo corrected, looking at Ruvon with so much love that he felt weak in the knees.

"Let's make black coffee to celebrate," Rana offered.

"I'll help." Soraya, looking relieved to have something to do, rose to her feet, and followed her sister.

Had she been dreading this as much as he had?

For the first time, it occurred to Ruvon that it had been as difficult for her as it had been for him. Perhaps even more so.

"Congratulations." Max clapped him on his back. "You did better than expected. I thought I would have to rescue you, but you did fine all on your own."

"Surprisingly, Soraya didn't eviscerate me."

"She likes you," Kyra said. "She has almost from the beginning; she just needed to make sure."