Page 31

Will swallowed and felt a tremor run through him as the last of his defences crumbled to dust. 'I am utterly in awe of you, Bella.

The way you don't let the past dictate your future.

The way you've always chosen the path you want to take.

The way you face your demons head-on and don't hide behind anything.

You are the bravest, most incredible woman I've ever met.

You are also beautiful and clever and kind and talented and you have a wicked way with a pair of handcuffs.

' He gazed at her, hoping she could see into his soul, which was filled with so much emotion he barely knew what to do with it.

'I love you,' he said and in the end it wasn't even difficult to say.

'I love you more than I ever thought possible and I just want to do everything in my power to make you happy.

To make your dreams come true.' He paused.

Felt his heart quake a little. 'If you'll let me, that is. '

As if she'd ever really had any choice, thought Bella, her whole body trembling in response to the earnest expression on Will's face and the promise blazing in his eyes.

She'd been utterly lost the minute he'd admitted to being terrified.

Ah, who was she kidding? She'd been lost the minute she'd laid eyes on him.

She'd been so pleased and relieved to see him, the weeks had felt like years, and the fragile wall she'd tried to build around her heart hadn't stood a chance.

His declaration was everything she'd dreamed of.

Everything she thought she'd never have.

His regret and shame were palpable, but so was the love that radiated from his every pore and his determination to win her back whatever the cost. And yes, she could probably turn the screw and make him grovel some more but she didn't want to play games.

She just wanted him and the life he offered.

In what world would she not let him make her dreams come true?

'That was quite a speech,' she said, the force of the happiness flooding through her nearly wiping out her knees.

'Yes, well, I've no doubt it could have been better but I didn't have much of a chance to practise.'

'You didn't need to,' she said, closing the distance between them and winding her arms around his neck. 'It was honest. It was perfect.'

Letting out a deep breath, and with it all the tension that had been gripping his body, Will folded his arms around her and clasped her against him as if he never wanted to let her go.

'You can't imagine how delighted I am you think so.

I thought I'd lost you for good. So will you?

' he asked, a little hoarsely. 'Let me try and give you everything you want, I mean. '

'I think I probably should,' she said, gazing into his eyes, an unstoppable smile spreading across her face. 'After all, it sounds like you could learn a lot from me.'

'I could.'

And then he lowered his head and captured her mouth with his and kissed her with the passion of everything he'd just said. He kissed her until she was melting with desire and happiness and love.

'Not to mention the fact that I love you too,' she murmured against his mouth.

He bent back a little and smiled. 'Despite my many failings?'

'And because of them. And I'm not exactly without fault, you know.'

'You are to me.'

She traced the creases at his eyes with her fingertips and felt him shake. 'You look like hell.'

'The last couple of weeks haven't exactly been my finest.'

'Nor mine.'

'You look amazing. You smell amazing.' He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. 'God, I'm sorry I was such an idiot. And for so long.'

'That's OK. You can spend the rest of your life making it up to me.'

'I intend to.'

Then he released her, dug in his pocket and drew out a small velvet box and handed it to her. 'This is for you.'

Bella took the box with shaking fingers, her heart squeezing and her throat tightening.

'Actually, maybe you shouldn't open it now,' he said with adorable uncertainty. 'Maybe you should open it later. Maybe doing this kind of thing at someone else's wedding isn't really all that appropriate.

'You sound nervous.'

'I'm petrified. I've never bought jewellery before. Plus, you're a jeweller and that makes the whole thing even more nerve-racking.'

Holding her breath, Bella released the catch and slowly opened the box. And there, nestling in a bed of deep purple velvet, was the most beautiful diamond solitaire ring she'd ever seen.

'Do you like it?' he said.

Like it? Her breathing was all over the place and her eyes were stinging, because it was everything she'd ever imagined, everything she'd ever hoped for, and so much more. 'It's beautiful. I love it. And I love you.'

'Then please say you'll marry me,' he said softly, taking the box from her and sliding the ring onto her finger. 'Be my duchess. Be mine.'

She stared up at him, saw the love blazing in his eyes and wondered if it was possible to be happier. She gave him a dazzling smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed herself against him and breathed, 'Well, if you absolutely insist…'

'I do.'