Chapter 56 Dane
DANE
I’m relieved that the street “performer” on the purple bike isn’t stationed beside the Minster this morning. Abigail seemed to find him amusing, but I don’t want anything garish to distract from the moment I’m about to share with her.
She’s practically glued to my side as we stroll toward the cathedral, and her face is upturned to drink in the imposing, ancient edifice with its intricate stone carvings.
I don’t care about the church; I can’t take my eyes off her.
She’s the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever seen, her porcelain complexion shining with ethereal light beneath the late morning sun.
It illuminates her eyes, and they glow with otherworldly vibrancy.
The soft, contented curve of her perfect lips makes me think about how she looks when she’s cuddled up with me in bed, and their rosy hue is offset by the amethyst curl I love so much.
This miracle of a woman loves me despite everything I’ve done to her.
She wants to marry me.
I’ll never be worthy of her, but I’m selfish enough to claim her anyway. The least I can do is give her the proposal she deserves.
I reach into my pocket to retrieve the jewelry box. It takes all my willpower to peel myself from her side so that I can take her hand in mine and drop to one knee before her.
Her lovely lips part on a soft gasp, and she turns to face me. Her eyes are alight with something between giddy excitement and wonder, and for a few long seconds, I simply stare up at her. I’m thoroughly under her spell, at a loss for words for the first time in my life.
I haven’t said anything when she extends her left hand. Her fingers tremble slightly as she offers herself to me, a silent promise of forever.
“Abigail.” Her name is a rasp, and I have to draw a breath so that I can speak clearly.
“You’ve given my life meaning. I didn’t think I was capable of feeling this…
” I swallow hard against the strange constriction of my throat.
“You’ve made me feel alive for the first time in my life.
I can’t live without you. I refuse to live without you.
I know I’m not an easy man to love. I’ve wronged you in so many ways, but I plan to keep you anyway.
Do me the honor of sharing the rest of your life with me. ”
It's not a question.
But she answers with a soft, “Yes. I want to be with you, Dane. I love you, and I want to marry you.”
I take the emerald ring from the velvet box and slide it onto her slender finger, sealing her fate. It fits perfectly, securely. She’ll never take it off.
I lift her hand and press a reverent kiss over the green gemstone that marks her as mine. Now every man will clearly see my claim over her, and the ring is large enough that they’ll know it’s a warning.
No one touches what’s mine.