Page 68 of Wanting Mr Black
My heart’s pinballing round my chest, and my stomach’s doing a jig. “Are … are you sure? We’ve only known each other …”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. When we first met, I said it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known someone, it’s the connection you have with them. And you, Sophie …” A muscle tics in his jaw, as if he’s holding some emotion at bay. “Despite my shitty start in life, I always wanted to get married and have a family. When I went to live with Mum and Dad and saw how devoted they were to one another, it made me want iteven more. I always thought it was out of reach. I knew I’d have to let someone in, and I never thought I’d find someone who would make me want to do that. Then, I found you. I’ve always known I love you, Sophie. I just couldn’t bear to say it in case I lost you.”
I stare at the ring, glistening in the box. I’m dreaming. I must be.
Tears well in my eyes as his words sink in, and I glance towards the ocean. This all makes sense now. The funny look in his eyes. Bringing me here.
“Only Art Black could bring me to a secluded beach, strip me naked, and then propose.” I part-laugh, part-sob.
He doesn’t laugh as he watches me with serious eyes, waiting for my answer.
My vision blurs as hot tears run down my cheeks, and I admit the one thing I’ve realised more than anything over the past few days of us being apart, “I can’t imagine my life without you.”
He presses his lips together and looks down at the blanket for a moment, as if fighting with his composure, and then he looks up at me, misty-eyed.
“Yes.” I smile through the tears. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He drops the box onto the blanket and grabs my face with both hands, pulling me into a fierce, desperate kiss that lasts for an age. I’m breathless when he finally pulls away.
“You’ve made me the happiest man on earth,” he breathes against my mouth.
“And I’m the happiest woman,” I say because I am. I’m floating on cloud nine.
He scoops up the box and pulls out the ring, sliding it onto my finger. I watch in awe as the sunlight bounces off the sparkling diamond.
“It’s stunning and a perfect fit.”
“I’m glad. I wasn’t sure what size you were. I had to ask Mum for advice.”
I lift my eyes to his. “You told your mum you were going to propose?”
“Yeah, I called her up to get a second opinion on the ring size and to break the news.”
“What did she say?
He gives me one of his easy smiles. “She was ecstatic. She thinks you’re perfect.” He kisses me. “Just like I do.”
My mum will be euphoric. I’m going to have to work myself up to telling her.
Even though I’m blissfully happy, the tiny, nagging voice is still in the back of my head, making me doubt. “Sorry, I’ve got to ask this … you haven’t just asked me because there’s a chance I could be pregnant?”
His brows draw together into a frown. “Yeah, I just carry an engagement ring round for a laugh. No, I’ve been thinking about it for a while.” His frown dissolves, to be replaced by a smile. “And another thing.” He kisses me and slides his body on top of mine, pushing me down onto the blanket. “I didn’t strip you naked; you did that yourself. And you wear the look very well.”
He moves down my body, positioning himself between my legs. He admires my curves. A look of pure adoration crosses his face, making me feel like a queen, and he sweeps his hand across my stomach. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers. “I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to get to see this every day for the rest of my life.”
His fingers trail a line down my pubic hair, and I suck a deep breath in and close my eyes as his thumb caresses my clitoris.
“I’m going to worship you forever.”
Oh God.
He increases the pressure of his thumb, moving in small, circular motions, and I moan.
“Sophie Black has got quite a ring to it, don’t you think?”
I open my eyes and look at him, forcing myself to focus. “What if I want to keep my own surname?”
He frowns and lowers himself between my thighs, causing my heartbeat to speed up. “You’ll take my name.”