Page 30 of Adrian

“No. I think it would be a battle that goes on for months or years. First, they might humor me, hoping I would fail, then they’d start hounding me with daily texts and phone calls. They don’t have another heir. I’m their only child. They groomed me to take over the family business. I don’t think they believe I would walk away from all that money, but the honest truth is, I’m tired of the rat race. The money means nothing to me because it’s at the expense of a meaningful life. What good is it to earn billions of dollars, buy a fancy home, employ a chef, hire a driver, maintain a housekeeper, show my face at the country club, and on and on if twenty years from now I’m nothing but a sad, lonely rich woman with no love life and only a cat for company?”

His expression is very serious as he listens to me. “I get it, princess. That’s exactly why my parents moved here in the first place. They hated the notoriety. They wanted to live in peace. It’s why all of us eventually moved back here to start over. We understand.”

Adrian bends his knees, lifts me by the waist, and sets me on the counter so we’re eye-to-eye. He pins me with his palms on either side of my hips. “I know it feels rushed. We just met. But sometimes love falls into your lap, and you have to snatch it up and not let it get away.”

I nod slowly. I believe him. It’s just scary. Taking a plunge like this is so impulsive.

“Here’s how I look at it, baby: We’re getting married either way. I know it in my heart. We could play house for a while. If it really stresses you out, you could live on your property for a while…” He hesitates. “No, I take that back. That’s not happening. I’d be a nervous wreck every night if you were on that homestead alone in an RV. That’s not happening. You’re moving in here with me today. End of story.”

“So bossy.” But I’m smiling again. I run my hands up and down his pecs. Fuck, he’s ripped. “We’re not even in the bedroom, and you’re still bossy.”

He smirks. “Yeah, that’s out of self-preservation and for your safety.”

“So, what if I wanted to move in here but occupy another room?” I’m throwing noodles at the wall. Devil’s advocate. Maybe I’m taunting him.

He cocks his head to one side and gives me a narrow-eyed look. “Sure, baby. I’ll buy you a bed frame and mattress on our way back from the courthouse. Today.”

I giggle again.

“Got any more arguments?”

“Hmmm. I don’t have anything to wear. Literally.”

“Already talked to the wives. They have a group chat. They can be here in half an hour with armloads of options to help you get ready. All you have to do is say the word.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“Yep. Andrew even drove down to town and back this morning to make sure the roads are passable.”

“Wow.”

He lifts his hands and cups my face. “Here’s my suggestion. I’ll leave you here to get ready while I go to the city. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Might need a few hours. I’ll meet you at the courthouse. One of my brothers will bring you.”

“I haven’t even met any of these people.”

“You’re going to love all of them. Well, maybe not Asher, initially. He’s a bit of a grouch. Can rub people the wrong way. But he’s a teddy bear inside. Just ask his wife. Emma will tell you.”

“What are you going to do in the city?”

He hesitates. “Buy you a ring.”

“Oh.” My eyes bug out. “Right. That.”

“I’m only telling you because it seems like it would be prudent for me to ask if there’s something special you’ve always dreamed of—a color, or size, or shape. Diamond? Gold? Platinum? Any particular setting?”

I shake my head immediately. “First of all, I’ve always been basically betrothed to a man I’ve only met a handful of times. So until I recently grew a spine, my only thoughts about marriage brought bile to my throat. But in my imagination, in a fairytale world—an alternate universe in which I did not reside—I always thought it would be special and romantic if my fiancé picked out the ring himself. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay, baby.” He kisses me briefly, lifts me off the counter to set me on my feet, and drops onto one knee in front of me. Taking both my hands, he looks up and says, “Blair Snyder, will you marry me?”

My face heats. He’s so sweet. “Yes, Adrian Gallant. I’ll marry you.”

Adrian swoops me off my feet again and swings me around, kissing all over my face. When he puts me down, he pulls out his phone and starts typing.

I wait, figuring he’s letting everyone know that I’ve accepted his proposal.

Finally, he pockets it. “The other wives will be here as soon as possible. They will bring hair things and makeup. I assume you don’t want to get married smelling like cherry-berry bubble bath.”

I giggle. “I don’t mind, but some mascara would be nice. I wonder what the status of my SUV is…”