Page 105 of Bound

My almost husband.

He leans close enough that the florist suddenly becomes very interested in a ribbon spool. “You look beautiful.”

The words are quiet. No command. No teasing.

My throat tightens. “Thank you.”

He looks down at my dress.

Silk.

Clean lines.

Fitted through the waist and hips before falling into a long train.

No giant princess skirt.

I tried one.

Ryan said I looked like a cupcake.

Lucian offered to buy all the dresses in the bridal shop so I could try them on in private.

I chose this instead.

Elegant. Soft.

Mine.

My veil is waiting on the chair. My ring sparkles on my left hand.

There was no ring to accompany the proposal at first.

Of course, I happily said yes, even though there was no ring and he technically didn’t really ask me.

It was more of a command.

One I was more than okay with.

The ring had to wait. He insisted it had to come from the family jewelry store, where all Bachman marriages begin, and there would be no stand-in ring until this one was purchased.

I was also okay with waiting.

The perfect four-carat princess-cut diamond that makes me smile every time light hits it.

Lucian touches the ring with one finger. “Still like the gold?”

“I love the gold.”

“Good.”

“Compromise.”

He sighs. “Partnership.”

I grin. “You were right. About the gold.”

“When am I not right?” He kisses my forehead.