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I pause, realizing that I haven't given much thought to the actual engagement ring. I can just imagine the glitter of a princess cut diamond on her copper-brown skin. "I...I'm not sure, honestly. I want it to be something nice, something that shows she’s the woman of the damn CEO."
"Say no more," Ethan declares. "I know a guy who knows a guy. We'll find the perfect ring, Grayson. One that will rock her world."
I feel a surge of gratitude for my best friend's unwavering support. "Thank you, Ethan. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without you. Best man."
“Best man?”
“If you’re up for it!”
"Of course! That's what brothers are for," Ethan says warmly. "Now, let's get cracking on those travel arrangements. I want you back on U.S. soil and ready to put a ring on it ASAP."
We spend the next hour hashing out the details of my surprise return and proposal plans, Ethan's excitement and encouragement bolstering my own confidence.
By the time we hang up, I'm practically vibrating with anticipation, my mind racing with visions of Amara's teary smile as I drop to one knee and pour my heart out to her.
I know there will be logistics to sort out - rescheduling meetings, delegating tasks to my team - but none of that matters in the face of my all-consuming need to make Amara my wife.
She is my everything, my reason for breathing. And I'll move heaven and earth to ensure that she knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am hers, now and forever.
As I begin drafting emails and making phone calls to set my plans into motion, I feel a sense of peace settle over me, a bone-deep certainty that I am on the brink of the greatest adventure of my life.
Amara and I, hand in hand, ready to take on the world together as husband and wife.
It's a future I never knew I wanted, but now that it's within reach, I'll be damned if I let it slip away.
So watch out, world. Grayson Winthrop is coming home, and he's got a question to ask.
A question that will change everything, for better or worse.
17
AMARA
The morning after my return from Tokyo, I stride into the office with a renewed sense of purpose, my head held high and my heart full of love for the incredible man who has stolen my heart. Damn the jet-lag and the 8 am conference call, these days I don’t even feel tired, I’m running on the power of love.
"Good morning, Lisa!" I chirp as I breeze past her desk, a broad smile stretched across my face.
She looks up, her eyes widening at my unusually chipper demeanor. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Little Miss Sunshine. What's got you grinning like the cat that ate the canary?"
I shrug, unable to contain my joy. "Oh, you know. Just feeling extra motivated to tackle the day and make some major strides on the Henderson account."
She narrows her eyes, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Uh-huh. And this sudden burst of enthusiasm wouldn't have anything to do with a certain handsome boss of ours, now would it?"
I feel my cheeks heat, but I meet her knowing gaze head-on. "Maybe. But can you blame me? Grayson is...he's everything. And I just want to make him proud, you know?"
She softens, reaching out to give my hand a squeeze. "Oh, honey. That man is already so proud of you, it's written all over his face every time he looks at you. But I get it. Go on and show 'em what you're made of, boss lady."
With a wink and a renewed spring in my step, I head into my office, ready to conquer the world and prove myself worthy of the incredible love Grayson and I share.
The morning flies by in a blur of conference calls, strategy sessions, and metric analysis. I'm so engrossed in my work that I almost don't notice my cell phone buzzing with an incoming call from an unknown number.
Frowning, I pick up, my standard professional greeting at the ready. "This is Amara, how may I assist you?"
"Amara. I'm so glad I could reach you." The voice on the other end is feminine, with a hint of a cultured accent. Something about it sends a shiver down my spine, though I can't quite place why.
"I'm sorry, who is this?" I ask, my grip tightening on the phone.
"Oh, do forgive me. This is Sophia… Sophia Ashford. Grayson's Sophie."
