Page 70 of Imbalanced Minds
“Would you like an official tour of our new home, Miss Jones?” I ask with the best of intentions.
“Sure. And you can drop the Miss Jones, it’s weirding me out.”
“Whatever you say, my Queen.”
Scoffing and rolling her eyes, Iris starts to make her way through the house. With its villa looking exterior, the massive house has four bedrooms—an en-suite attached to the master, an office, two extra bathrooms, an open living/dining and a kitchen. It’s a beautiful home, with soft exposed wooden features on the inside, and the outside looks like a dolls house painted in a soft baby blue with white window surrounds.
I know this is what my woman dreams of; we’ve had this conversation a few times during her recovery. She told me this exact house is what her dream house would be. Can’t let her down now, can I?
Following her through the house makes my heartbeat frantically. I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed all at once, and I’m not sure my poor heart can keep up with what I’m about to do next. Leading her out back to the decking, we overlook a rather large property. One I hope one day our children will ride on, just like Iris did as a child. I stand watching her take it all in. She’s so mesmerised she doesn’t notice what’s happening behind her.
She turns around slowly to speak to me, but when she sees I’m not where she expected, she gasps and cups her hands together over her mouth. “Cory,” she whispers, tears threatening to leave the corners of both eyes.
Down on one knee, I reach up to get her left hand free so I can tell her exactly how I feel, while also being connected to her.
“Iris, there haven’t been many people I’ve been able to rely on in my life, until I met your brother. When I found out you were his sister, I thought that was my chance blown because, boy, did I have the biggest crush on you! When I came back to town, it took so much willpower to stay away from you, but there you were, making your many advances then shaking that sweet ass in front of me, all the while blinding me with that infectious smile.
“Baby girl, I don’t want to know what life is like without you. I’m a greedy guy and I want you forever, I want us forever. Iris Rose Jones, will you do me the honour and continue to make me the luckiest bastard alive? Will you marry me?”
Looking up at my beauty, I can’t help tearing up a little while staring into her exceedingly sparkling eyes. I notice them shine with so much love and contentment that I need to clear my throat. Pulling Iris from her dumbfounded state, she starts nodding her head up and down. Plucking the ring from the little velvet box I had extended to her, I slip it onto her finger as she starts repeating the word ‘yes’. Every time getting louder and more excitable.
Looking at the gorgeous gold, 1-carat princess cut diamond ring on her delicate finger, I marvel at the way my whole body lights up when I’m near her. I don’t have much time after I come to fully stand before she’s jumping at me and wrapping her arms and legs around me, smacking her lips against mine. In an attempt to get even closer, I tilt her head just so, enough for me to gain entry as our tongues seek one another in partnership. This kiss holds the most passion we’ve shared yet, so frenzied I think I could pass out. I will never take for granted the hold this stunning woman before me has.
Lowering Iris down on one of the loungers on the decking, I hover above her. Hands planted firmly on either side of the chair, looking deep into her eyes. Eyes that tell a story of all the tragedy she’s been through as well as all of the obstacles she has overcome.
Letting my grip of the chair go, I slowly roll over to lay beside her, weaving my arm under her and pulling her close. Releasing a long and satisfied sigh, Iris quietly speaks from where her head is tucked under my chin.
“I love you, fiancé. Today’s journal entry is going to be the best yet.”
Kissing the top of her head, she nuzzles down and snuggles in close as we lay together watching the sun move over our future.
“I have an idea. Would you tell me instead of writing it down?” The worst she’ll say is no, so what’s the harm in asking?
“I’m not ready for that yet, although Lucy and I have been talking about it and the next steps for me. She said, in order to stay on track, I need to keep being open and honest. But I also need to talk to you more openly. Do you think I could do that instead of my gratitude entry?”
If it’s even possible, I pull her tighter to me. “I’d love that a whole lot, Angel.”
And that’s exactly what she does. She talked and talked until there was nothing left to say, other than expressing her love for me over and over.
“I’m so proud of you, Iris. I love you too, wife-to-be.”