AllFreeNovel
Share Us
An assistant came out and placed a dish that had a familiar aroma. To my delight, it was the carbonara pasta I had in Rome.
“I had the chef fly in and make this dish for you to eat again. You ate it with such uninhibited passion, I wanted the pleasure again.” He flew the chef in to make this for me? I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to such affluence. It was beyond my comprehension.
He swirled a fork full of pasta and carbonara and fed it to me. I ate it, and he crushed his lips to mine, sliding his tongue seductively against my own. The dish was just as incredible the second time around.
I took the seat across from him, and we ate the delicious meal again. And it was even sweeter this time because our hearts were one.
A server came and poured champagne, and we had a sip.
“I have a confession.” His expression turned serious.
My brows raised. “Oh, what is it?”
“Your parents weren’t flown into New York for support only. I needed to speak with them. I spoke to your dad first because your mom’s thoughts were clear.”
I licked my lips. “Mom can be tough when it comes to me.”
“She adores you…they both do. It was good to see their love and kindness. It’s what they gave to you, and you gave to me.”
I beamed at hearing I was just like my parents. Their love was unconditional. They never stopped loving me, even when I made choices they disagreed with. I was grateful to have them in my life, and even more so that Paul helped me keep them longer.
“Thank you for saving my dad’s life. He wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the medical treatment you gave him.”
“I’m grateful to your dad, too. And when I met with him alone, I asked him about you.”
I smiled. “You did?”
“We talked, but there was only one question that mattered. I asked him if he’d let me keep you forever.…”
My shoulders shook as I broke down in tears.
“He said yes.”
The sound of string instruments filled the air, playing John Lennon’s “Woman.”
“You are music and passion, my sweet, beautiful Nadia. I promise to love you forever. Through good and bad, I’m here. Always.”
He went down to his knees.
My hands held my heart because it was too full to stay in. But he eased them in his own and kissed the back of them. Then he opened a box and showed me an oval-shaped solitaire diamond ring with a violet gemstone, like my eyes.
“There is nothing we can’t do together. You are my light, my love, and my future. Will you marry me?”
Words could not express the absolute joy I felt. He said he’d never marry again, and yet…here we were.
It made me think of diamonds shining in the sunshine. And it reminded me of words he said not long ago when I asked him about Beethoven.
“As you know, I’ve always loved this music. It’s part of my soul, my heart. But I’ve felt so…empty. And now, with you? I have life. Hope. Joy. So it feels right to bring it back into my life now. You are the muse for my joy.”
“Yes…yes, I will. I love you.”
He took my trembling hand and put the ring on, which fit perfectly.
Our gazes connected and held. The love we had reflected back, and I knew that forever was only our beginning.
I stared down at the ring on my finger and couldn’t believe it. I’m going to be Mrs. Crane. Paul’s hands were on my waist, gently moving me toward the plane.
I groaned. “I wish we could stay another day.”
