Page 178 of A Second Dawn

But I listened to my heart. Being with Tiero felt right. But does it still?

I close my eyes and sink lower into the tub until only my head and my plastered arm remain out of the water.

I take a deep breath and try to quiet my mind enough to hear the guidance Claudette assures me I always have.

To the best of my abilities, despite the wild hormones pumping through my body, and the anxiety and fear still lingering, I try to wipe every thought from my mind and focus on breathing in and out… steadily, rhythmically.

Time loses meaning. I have no clue how long I’ve been doing this. But by the time Tiero walks into the room to pluck me out of the bath, I feel the clearest I have since before all of this started.

I got my answer.

Now I just need the courage to follow through.

Nerves dance in my abdomen as Tiero dries me off with a fluffy towel.

I’m surprised something so soft exists in this hospital environment. But perhaps they brought it in just for me.

After today’s disaster, they’re paying attention to the smallest details to appease Tiero. He’s frightening when he’s pissed off. Something I need to remember too.

He circles me, making sure he hasn’t missed a spot, and then sinks to his knees to dry my legs. He gently lifts each foot, placing it on his thigh and pats dry each space between my toes.

God, if he goes on like this, I’m going to be turned on and ravenous for him. It wasn’t enough that he paid extra attention to my boobs, softly tracing them with the towel until my nipples were hard peaks.

My eyes travel to the top three buttons of his shirt. They’re undone, giving me a glimpse of his tanned skin, and the urge to run my hands over his toned muscles has my fingers twitch.

Tiero is taking his time drying me. His movements are a little jerky.

His gaze is focused on the task at hand. It’s most unusual for him not to keep our eyes connected.

Curious, I study him. It’s when I notice the slight tremor in his hands.

What’s going on? Has something else happened?

He’s awfully quiet. That’s also not like him.

Seriously, what now? Universe, can’t we have a little breather?

The tension returns to my body. Just when I found a little relaxation, it all gets blown up… hopefully not literally.

I’m standing naked before him. Nothing is hidden. I never felt more vulnerable and exposed.

Tiero gives a tender kiss to the spot where our child is growing before resting his head against my abdomen.

He stays like this, as if frozen, and I don’t know what to do with myself. I rest my good hand on his shoulder, unsure of what’s coming next.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Tiero pulls away from me, remaining on his knees before me. His hand disappears into his pants pocket, and finally his gaze lifts to mine.

The love and vulnerability I see there makes my heart stop.

He clears his throat, holding out his hand to me. But I don’t look at what’s in his outstretched palm. All I can see are his eyes brimming with tenderness and devotion.

“Ella Rose O’Neil, I love you. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife? Will you marry me?”

Chapter Forty-Nine

Gualtiero

Myangelstaresatme, wide-eyed, speechless.