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Even after a year, my heart still warms at the way he calls me his family. After Leo started preschool, I decided to get a degree in teaching. As much as I love nannying, I know I got too attached, too involved, with the kids I took care of, and I wasn’t prepared to work such long hours anymore. Now, my days mostly involve studying before Leo and Roman get home, and then the penthouse descends into its usual busy atmosphere.
We’ve already made so many memories. Roman, Leo, and Caroline came to the Hamptons for Christmas. We spent the day at my parents’ as one big family. For New Year, we headed to Caroline’s home in Albany for a little vacation, and it was gorgeous. I’ve been spending every weekend with Chloe as she prepares for her and Brandon’s upcoming wedding next month, and these days, Roman gets home at five to spend evenings with us.
It's perfect. The life I always wanted. I didn’t need this house to feel complete, but waking up by the ocean every day is the last dream I have left unfulfilled. And now…
“What about work? School?”
Roman kisses away the wrinkles forming between my brows. “We’ll keep the penthouse as our base until you’re done with school. Then, you can find a teaching job close by and I can work from home a little more often.”
“And you won’t miss being in the city?”
He tilts his chin, pretending to think. “Will I miss crowded sidewalks, endless traffic, and back-to-back meetings? I think I can live without them.”
I’m still worried that he isn’t built for a quieter life. He must see it written all over my face, because he turns me around and cups my jaw. “I’ve been alone in the city for forty-six years, Madison. I’m ready for the next part of my life with you and my son. No more missing out on the things that really matter. Now, can you please go inside and tell me how much you love me for buying your dream house?”
With a smirk, I shove his chest and do as he says. Leo is running from room to room — to room to room to room. There are lots of rooms, I soon find. I stop when I notice a line of red rose petals scattered across the floor. They trail into a corridor, leading somewhere I can’t see. “What’s this?”
Roman shrugs smugly. “Go and find out.”
My heart begins to thunder as I follow the petals down a light, open corridor and into what can only be described as a fantasy. Candles light every corner of the empty space, guttering against the cool breeze seeping in from the front door. I turn around, ready to ask why Roman he made such a romantic gesture when the house was already enough, only to find him down on one knee.
In his hand sits a burgundy velvet box. He opens the lid to reveal a sparkling oval-cut ring with white diamonds.
I can’t breathe. Can’t think.
Roman’s eyes gleam as brightly as the large gemstone as he looks up at me. “I know this isn’t the first ring I’ve given to you, and for so many reasons, that one will always be the most special in my heart. But I also couldn’t let it be the last.”
A sob leaves me as I cover my mouth, speechless.
He smiles. “Madison, you taught me how to be a good man, a good father, and a good person. You woke me up after decades of walking around, numb to everything but my business. You have given my son unconditional love, and shown me nothing but patience and tenderness. You have no idea how grateful I am to know you, love you.”
“Roman…”
“I’m a man who has everything, but there’s just one more thing that will make my life feel complete. Madison, will you marry me?”
A million memories rush through my mind. Meeting him at the coffee shop only to discover so much about him I didn’t know. The day I walked into his penthouse and met his son. Our first trip as a family to the zoo, long before we knew that’s what we were. All of the times we got lost in each other because we were unable to hide from what we felt.
It all led me here, to this moment. Tears stream down my face as I nod. “Of course, I’ll marry you.”
“Yay!” I startle at Leo’s cheer, not even realizing he’s standing in the threshold. “Mommy and Daddy are getting married!”
As Roman stands and slips the ring onto my finger, right beside the wedding ring I haven’t taken off since the night of the gala, Leo barrels over to us. I shake my head in disbelief, kissing Roman through my tears as happiness runs through me like streaks of gold. “I love you so much.”
Roman grins, resting his forehead against mine as he places his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “I can’t wait to start forever with you, right here.”
He cradles us both in his arms as the moment, the future, the love all sinks in. A tap on the door breaks me out of my reverie, and I find Brandon, Chloe, Caroline, and my parents all peeking in from the hallway.
“Did it happen?” Mom asks excitedly.
I giggle, looking at Roman in awe. “You brought everybody here?”
“Like they would want to miss this.”
Brandon grins as he comes up to me, dragging me into a bruising hug. “Congrats, Mads. Happy for you.”
Chloe is next. “You deserve this. So much.” She squeals and dances on the spot. “My maid of honor is getting married!”
“Which makes you my maid of honor, too!”
