Divided Hearts (20 page)

“What do you mean?”

Grasping Faye’s hand, he lifted it to his mouth and pressed the backs of her knuckles to his lips, all the while holding her captive in the vivid depths of his azure gaze. “The last thing you said to me was, ‘It’s the right decision not to get married.’ And you were right. Partially. I still want to get married.” With his free hand he reached into his pocket, bringing out a small, round object that glinted in the sunlight. Only after staring at it for a moment did Faye recognize it as a gold band bearing a simple, brilliantly faceted diamond.

Raising her eyes to meet Simon’s, she waited for his next words.

“I meant what I said. I want you as my bride. If you’ll still have me.”

Faye couldn’t reply at first; all the breath seemed to have left her body, forced out by her heart throbbing against the walls of her chest. Tears prickled behind her eyes, this time from the gladness that swept through her in a glorious rush.

“You make my life complete, Faye,” Simon went on. “It’s because of you that I have my daughter in my life, and it’s because of you that I now know what I want, and what I need. And that’s to be with you, forever. Do you feel the same?”

The moment he posed the question, Faye found her voice, letting her reply spill from her lips. “I do, Simon. I really do. I love you so much.” Wrapping her arms over his shoulders, she pressed her mouth firmly to his, aching to finally express the depth of her love for him, free from her fears. His arms drifted around her waist, holding her close against him as he returned her kisses with a dizzying longing matching her own.

Once they parted, she smiled up at him, watching the sunlight spark off his eyes. “You should know, I want children. At least two, maybe more.” The thought of it would have terrified her months ago, but now it only excited her.

A slow grin lit his features. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Taking her hand, he slid the ring easily onto her finger.

Her heart alight with happiness, Faye drew him into another kiss, long and languid, delighting in the pure, unapologetic bliss of his embrace, as sunlight warmed her shoulders.