And it’s perfect.
I look down into his eyes and sigh at how wonderful he is for this. Even though we’re already married, this week has felt like a new start with a fresh slate. I never mentioned to him that I wish we had a traditional wedding, but I have longed for that. I just figured I’d have to wait until we renewed our vows years from now.
“Of course, I’ll marry you, Marius. I love you.”
He leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips that makes my stomach flip. “Thank you for giving me another chance. I promise you won’t regret it.”
As he moves to stand up, I stop him. “Wait. I’ve got some conditions.”
Marius smiles and shakes his head. “That’s my Duck. Okay. Hit me with them. I’m ready.”
I wipe the tears away and say, “First, I want us to move.”
He looks confused for a second but nods. “Okay. You don’t like the penthouse?”
Cradling his face, I lean over and kiss him softly on the lips. “I love it, but if we’re going to be a family, I’d like a house out here. I loved growing up in this area, and I want our kids to have that too.”
My mention of children makes his eyes get big. “Is there something you want to tell me, Duck?”
I chuckle at how worried he looks. “No. It’s just that I want to have children, and I want to be in a house before they come.”
“Okay. I’ll contact the realtor tomorrow. We can start house hunting this weekend. Sound good?”
“Yes. Onto condition number two. You have to promise me you’re going to talk to someone about everything that happened this year. You’ve had a lot to deal with, not the least of which is having me held hostage by a crazy woman and you getting shot.”
He nods and says, “I can do that.”
I don’t know if he’s struggling as much as I think he may be. If he is, I want him to get the help he needs.
“Are there any more?” he asks, probably hoping I’m done with my conditions.
Smiling, I answer, “One more. I want a big, traditional wedding. I’m my parents’ only daughter, and it will break their hearts if they don’t get to see me get married. They couldn’t be there the first time, so I want them to see our wedding this time.”
“Traditional? Like me in a tux traditional?”
I nod. “Yes. Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll look great. And I’m going to have a white wedding dress with a long train and a veil.”
Marius leans forward and kisses me before whispering against my lips, “Whatever you want, Duck. I love you.”
“I love you too, Marius. I guess we better not keep everyone in suspense any longer.”
He stands up and turns around to everyone waiting to hear my answer. “She said yes. We’re having another wedding in the King family!”
Ava rushes over and throws her arms around me. “I was so worried I’d miss this because Lynn told me Matty woke up and was warm. He was just dressed a little too snugly for his new room, so I made it back down just in time to see Marius break out the ring! Let me see!”
I wiggle the fingers on my left hand to show off the stunning rock that amazing and wonderful man got me. Ava’s mouth drops open at how beautiful it looks.
“Oh, he told me I was going to be impressed, but I have to say I think he undersold it. It’s gorgeous! I love it!”
Marius comes up behind Ava and rests his chin on her shoulder. Smiling, he asks, “Did my biggest fan who was my biggest hater for a while there see the ring?”
She turns around and throws her arms around him. “I did, and it’s perfect! Congratulations, Marius!”
“So when is the wedding?” Ronan asks when he and Kate stop in front of me to check out my ring.
Everybody’s attention turns to me, so I shrug and shake my head. “No idea. I’ll have to talk to Marius about that. To be honest, I’m a little surprised by all of this, so we’re going to need a few days to get things planned.”
“I know I say this to everyone, but if you want to have the wedding here, we’d love it,” Ava says with so much hopefulness in her voice that I can’t say no.
