Page 131 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

I stepped through the doorway, squinting my eyes at the bright sunshine. As my eyes adjusted, I looked at the nearest set of columns, working out in my mind which one my mom might have been standing next to. I glanced to my left to see the end of the balcony and realized another tour must have gotten up here before us. A small group of people were huddled together at the end.

Dean tugged me forward. We settled between two columns with him at my back, holding me close, his chin resting on top of my head.

“I can see why she loved it up here.” After a few minutes, I pulled out the photo again, determined to find the location Mom had stood in for it. My eyes narrowed as I searched the buildings nearby. I tugged Dean forward intent on my mission.

I glanced at the other tour group. I hoped they weren’t in the spot my mom had stood. It’d mean I’d have to wait until they left to enjoy it.

My heels dug into the ground, throwing Dean off-balance. He staggered and looked at me, now noticing where my stare was transfixed. My gaze connected with a familiar pair of green eyes and red hair.

“Stella?” I whispered.

She tried to smile before her whole face crumbled and she burst into tears. A handkerchief was shoved at her by the petite woman by her side. Burda?

Everyone we loved was here. Dean’s parents, his friends, my family and friends. Every single one of them filled the back of the rooftop balcony.

“Dean?” I looked up at him with a furrowed brow.

He was standing behind me and had let go of my hand. “Ash, I love you so much.” Dean got down on one knee.

I gasped and covered my mouth to stifle my cry. Tears pooled along my lids, a bubble of joy rose in my throat, as all the love we shared slammed into me.

“I know how much this place means to you, and I thought we could make our own memories here, just as your parents did. My life began when you entered my world. I want to spend all of my days making you happy and creating a life both of us love.”

“Oh, Dean—” My voice broke, and I blew out an unsteady breath.

He’d asked me to envision the best thing that could happen today. Hands down this was it.

“This—” I waved my hand around.

An uncertain look flashed across his face.

“Is perfect.”

He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a black box. Once he flipped open the lid, I saw the most beautiful ring. It was a solitaire with a halo of tiny diamonds surrounding it. The sides flared out into an antique setting with diamond chips running down it.

The rays of the sun hit the facets making it sparkle. The ring was gorgeous.

My startled eyes flew to his. It looked so much like Mom’s. But how? It had been lost after my Dad passed away.

“How did you—” A sobbing gasp escaped me.

“Burda had it in safekeeping for you.”

Of course, Burda. I blew her a kiss before focusing on Dean.

“Ash, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife,” Dean whispered. His voice caught on the last word, and tears welled in his eyes.

“Yes, yes. A thousand times yes.” I cried and held out my left hand.

With a shaky hand he slipped the ring on my finger and leapt to his feet. He grabbed me tight and hugged me close. Our lips came together, and I bit back a moan as his tongue swept into my mouth, dueling with mine. He softened the kiss, letting his lips linger before pulling away and resting his forehead against mine.

Our breath mingled together as we stared into each others’ eyes, listening to the thunderous sound of our friends and family cheering and clapping behind us. Having them here to experience this moment with us made it even more special. And with a certainty in my heart, I knew my parents would have loved Dean and approved of the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

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