Suddenly Beautiful (Entangled Covet) (19 page)

Stacey pressed a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”

Nikki glanced at Creed, but his attention was fixed on the stage.

“I almost blew it,” Tor continued. “I almost let the most important thing in my life get away because I didn’t believe I could have success in business and my personal life, especially when they overlapped.”

Tor turned toward her and held out his hand. “Nikki.”

Her eyes grew wide and her heart began to race.

“Go on.” Stacey gave her a little push forward. “He’s waiting for you.”

This wasn’t how the program was supposed to go. First the product reveal and then her. She glided forward in a confused daze, praying she didn’t trip. The bright lights pierced her eyes, blacking out most of the crowd except for the first few rows that lined the stage. Clapping began, washing through the blackness in a wave until the roar became deafening. More cameras flashed as she closed the distance between her and Tor. Her stomach threatened to rebel. She took a deep breath and continued walking.

Tor’s hand never lowered and his gaze never wavered. His solid presence was the only thing that kept her moving. When she reached him, he took her hand. At first touch, warmth spread through her. He twined his fingers with hers and he pulled her close.

“I’d like to introduce the new face of Goddess Cosmetics: Nikki Triano.” The cheers escalated, and he waited a second for the noise to dim before he continued. “But she is so much more than that to me.”

The space around them shifted. The crowd grew quiet, almost as if it were just the two of them.

“Nikki, you are beautiful inside and out. I’d never barter that away. There is nothing in this world more precious to me than your love. Not Kythera Cosmetics. Not money. Not my freedom.” He looked down at their hands and back up at her. “You’ve been beside me through everything, and I think I’ve loved you for far longer than I even realized.”

Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would burst from her chest. Was he telling the truth?

“I know I’ve asked so much from you over the years and you’ve given it freely.” His thumb rubbed the palm of her hand. “And I still have two more requests. First, trust me when I say I’d give up everything to be with you.”

Another lump formed in Nikki’s throat, making it impossible to speak. She wanted to believe him. More than anything in the entire world she hoped he was telling the truth. Her gaze skated over the crowd and back to him. She nodded and swallowed, her voice coming out in a whisper. “I believe you.”

“Then I have one more request.” A cautious smile spread across Tor’s mouth. He released her hand and reached into the pocket of his tuxedo jacket, pulling out a small glass box. She was certain her heart had just stopped, and when he knelt before her, it was all she could do to breathe.

“Nichola Triano…” He flipped open the box to reveal the biggest diamond she had ever seen. It sparkled under the bright lights. “I have everything a man could want, but without you to share it with, it means nothing. I know I can be difficult, moody, and I’m not very good at expressing my feelings. I don’t deserve you, but if you give me the chance, I will spend my life trying.” He lifted the ring from the box and held it up to her. “Nikki, will you marry me?”

The scene before her was like something out of a dream. It’s what she’d wanted for the last six years, except for one thing—the baby. She glanced out at the crowd again. Their faces were focused completely on her. How could she say yes without telling him first? A baby might change everything.

“Excuse me for a second.” She held up a finger to the crowd and then bent, bringing her mouth to Tor’s ear. “Uh, yes, I will marry you, but first you should know that I’m pregnant.”

She straightened and waited for his reply. His eyes rounded and his mouth opened and closed a few times. He lowered the ring and for a second she thought he was rescinding his proposal. Instead he reached and gently gripped her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger.

A deafening cheer blasted from the crowd, making it impossible to speak or be heard. Tor stood and dragged her to him, kissing her with the exuberance of a man who had gained the world. Without hesitation, she returned the kiss.

After the lengthy kiss, he held her away from him. “We’re having a baby?”

She nodded. “Are you happy?”

He cupped her face in his hands. “Just when I think I have everything, you give me another miracle.”

“It’s you who has given me the miracle.”

Fireworks ignited at different points along the stage, and the curtain dropped to reveal her face and the new line of Goddess Cosmetics. The noise from the crowd intensified and Nikki laughed. Tor released her, giving her over to the flood of family pouring onto the stage. They were wrapped in a melee of hugs and congratulations.

Stacey grabbed her hand and yanked it toward her, gawking at Nikki’s engagement ring. “Holy Mother of the Gods, that is some serious bling.”

Nikki started to reply, but she was pulled into a hug by Ares. “I approve of this marriage.”

She couldn’t be sure, but she thought his voice cracked a bit. She smiled against his chest. “Thanks…” She hesitated. “Daddy.”

He released her, looking a bit confused. “Daddy? Daddy…” He nodded. “I approve of the endearment. You may continue calling me that.”

Tor reclaimed her, wrapping his arm around her waist and holding her to him. That’s where she remained for the rest of the night, through hundreds of photographs and thousands of congratulations. And by his side is where she would remain for the rest of her life, because she was officially engaged to Toraos Stephanos, millionaire, demigod, and… father of her baby.

Sometimes life really was beautiful.

About the Author

As a multi-published and an award winning writer, Boone’s books drip with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every event is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.