Page 75 of Thiago

Once inside the master bedroom, Rose sat on the edge of the bed. “I looked up the meaning of the name Liam,” she said.

“Did you?”

“I was curious after Valentina made such a big deal about his name and how very important it was to have a strong name because it determined a child’s destiny.”

“Is that a Spanish accent I hear?” Benicio asked with amusement.

“I might be mocking her a tiny bit,” Rose admitted.

He outright chuckled this time. “What did you learn about his name?”

“Not that it matters, but Liam is the short form of the Irish name Uilliam, which is the equivalent of William. When you combine all the elements of his name, Liam means ‘strong-willed warrior’ or ‘resolute protector.’”

“So he does have a strong name after all.”

“Not that it matters, but he does,” Rose confirmed.

A faint smile remained on Benicio’s face. He leaned back against the wall, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his chinos. “You were incredible tonight with Valentina,” he said, his voice soft and rough with emotion.

“You like me as a bully?”

“You were not a bully,mi amor. You commanded the room without raising your voice. I liked the way you handled her.”

“I wasn’t trying to handle her. I wanted to protect Bruno and Marissa. And the baby,” Rose said.

“Which you did.” He stepped closer, a fierce expression on his face. “Like a warrior.”

Rose shook her head, folding her arms loosely. “You’re exaggerating.”

“No,” he said in a sharp tone. “You were calm and steady as you stood up to her, and instead of agreeing to behave herself, she ran away. Your strength put her weakness on display. You have always been strong, Rosa, and the center of this family. My center. My home.”

Emotion gripped her chest at his words.

Taking a slow breath as though steadying himself, Benicio carefully lowered onto one knee.

Rose’s eyes widened, and she hopped up from the bed. “Ben, what are you doing?” Her voice came out breathless.

“What I should have done a long time ago to fix the mistake I made,” he said simply.

“Get up. Stop.”

She reached for his arm, but he caught her hands, gently but firmly holding her still.

“No,” he said, shaking his head, his voice deep and unwavering. “I have lived with regret every single day since I let you go. I don’t want to live without you anymore, Rosa.”

“Ben…” Her voice trembled, and her heart ached as she looked down into his gray eyes.

“Mi amor.” He searched her face, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. “I love you, but I squandered my time with you, and I let my pride destroy the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Her lips parted, a soft, shaky breath escaping. “Ben…”

“I see clearer now. I see you, my home, my heart, my everlasting love. You are the best part of my life, the reason I wake up every morning. Give me another chance. Let us try again. Marry me.Por favor.”

Rose’s heart swelled almost to bursting. She cupped his jaw, her thumb gently caressing his bearded cheek. “I love you so much. I’m happiest when I’m with you. Yes. Let’s get married again.”

Relief flooded his face. Despite his words, he hadn’t been confident she would say yes. She kissed his cheeks, his eyelids, and then his lips.

“My love,” she whispered.