He picked up where her words trailed off and said like he read her mind and knew the right cords to tug, “You’re part of my family. I don’t want any life without you, right beside me.”
She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks. She had everything. He loved her. She believed him. This wasn’t something she’d have ever expected. “Oh, Leo.”
He kissed her forehead and her lips felt cheated as he said, “So that means you’ll have the staff move your things back to our rooms?”
A laugh escaped her though she answered fast, “Yes. Immediately.”
He stared into her eyes and asked solemnly, “Will you please help me figure out what to do about Francesca’s child?”
A child. Right. An innocent unborn child deserved happiness too. She nodded. “What is it you want to do?”
“I want you as my wife.” He waited as if to see what she’d do next.
She sucked in her bottom lip. “And you get that. I’m better now that I know you love me.” It changed everything.
He squeezed her side. “Then we go from there.”
Wait. This wasn’t an answer. She needed to understand more. She glanced at his profile and realized he hadn’t fully shaved his five o’clock shadow—had he been upset, too? “If Francesca chooses to… not have the child, will you be okay?”
He shrugged. “There is nothing I can do about that.”
But his actions didn’t give away how he’d react or feel. “And if she chooses to raise this child?”
He met her gaze and without blinking said, “Then we have to pay for her silence and figure out how to handle ensuring the baby has what he or she needs… as a team.”
This was her life too. She’d stay with Leo. She touched the ring on her finger like a lucky charm. “Okay. Tomorrow I’ll talk to Francesca.”
He shook his head. “We will talk to her.”
She wanted to clarify since she’d given the wrong impression earlier. “I like being the hard one in our relationship. I wasn’t born royal. So I emulate your mother.”
Leo laughed. “Fair enough, but don’t make a decision without talking to me.”
Finally his lips met hers and she realized instantly she was exactly where she was supposed to be. Home was in his arms and in his kiss. If she ever tried to leave him, she’d just be leaving her happiness on the table. So she’d stay and be his partner for life.
As long as he never stopped kissing her like this.
