Page 95 of Sweet Revenge

“I want what you promised me ten years ago,” she interrupted, reaching up to grip his chin and turning him to face her. “I want to stand beside you and not behind. I want to grow this family, this business, this empire with you. As an equal. I want to marry you. Those are my terms. Take it or leave it.”

He watched her for a long moment, saying nothing. When he pushed to his feet and disappeared inside, her mouth dropped open and she hugged herself tightly. That was as much an answer as anything else. She rose just as he burst back through the doors, and she stopped short.

“Where are you going?”

“I thought your answer was pretty clear.”

He stopped her when she moved to brush past him. “I had to go get something. I had to get this.”

For the first time, she noticed the small black velvet box he held in his hand. He turned it over nervously in his fingers. Slowly he opened the lid, revealing a dazzling oval cut emerald encircled by brilliant diamonds.

“You are the only woman I’ve ever wanted to give this to. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen. It’s always been you, Evie.” He slipped the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger. “I accept your terms. Evelyn O’Brian. Will you marry me?”

She’d worn this ring before, had been proud to wear it. It had been in his family for generations, and every Callahan queen before her had worn it.

Looking up at him, seeing all the love and longing in his eyes, she felt that whisper of hope grow in her chest and spread. It wrapped around her, warm and welcoming.

“I asked you first,” she said.

He threw back his head and laughed, lifting her off her feet and twirling her in a circle. When he set her gently back on the ground, he reached up to cup her face in his hands, brushing his thumbs across her damp cheeks.

“Okay.” He grinned. “I’ll marry you.”

When he brought his lips down to meet hers, she poured all her hope into that kiss and into the promise of forever with him.