They passed three. Then Jamie halted.
Her eyes drifted to the door where someone had fitted a gleaming nameplate that spelled
Venatrix Meadow Dawn—the name engraved in elegant script on brushed metal.
Slung over the top rail was a hand stitched, tan leather saddle bag.
“The stall’s for your girl,” Jamie said. “The saddle bag’s for you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You do realise they called me saddle bags at school, right?”
His grin flashed, dimple and all. “Yeah, I know. They were idiots and now you’re embracing it. Go on, open it up and see what’s inside.”
Her fingers hesitated before lifting the flap. Nestled inside was a small, navy velvet box.
No…way.
With trembling hands, she pulled it out and flipped the lid open.
Inside sat a smoky grey diamond, round and glinting like storm light. Black and white diamonds framed the centre stone, trailing down either side of the platinum band in a perfect balance of wild and refined.
She stared. Frozen. Speechless.
Jamie’s voice dropped behind her, deep and low.
“It’s not just about my love for you. It’s about building a life together. Fulfilling your dreams and desires. Protecting what’s mine. I hope you like it. I had it made by a designer in New York because I want to marry you, Shannon.”
Her heart pounded as she stared at the ring. “Are you asking me to marry you because I’m pregnant?”
His deep chuckle rumbled through his chest as he stepped into her.
“I’m good, love, but I’m notthatgood. Jewellery like that takes time to make. I ordered it long before we even knew about the baby.”
His palm settled on her belly, and she swore his whole body softened at the contact.
“You belong beside me as my partner, my equal, the woman I want to build a future with.”
His hand framed her face, thumb brushing her cheek. “But when it’s just us, love…when I’ve got you trembling for me…”
His mouth curved, eyes burning into hers.
“That’s when you’ll be my good girl. And I’ll take care of you like you deserve—every inch, every time.”
Her breath caught, the world narrowing, her focus on the heat in his eyes.
Partner. Equal.Good girl.
She should’ve rolled her eyes. Teased him. But instead, her skin tingled, her legs turned soft beneath her, and something warm bloomed behind her ribs.
“God, I love you,” she whispered, trying to smile but failing when her voice cracked.
“All the money, the businesses… When you agree to marry me, love, it’s not just me you’re taking on. It’s the whole fucking empire. Whether you want it or not, it becomes yours, too.”
Her hands slid under the hem of his polo shirt,fingertips brushing his abs like she needed to anchor herself to his truth.
“You love me, too, right?”
His brow dipped, voice thick. “You know I do.”
