Page 119 of Taming I Do
The hard edge of her voice made me lift my gaze.
“You don’t get to decide what I can handle,” she said. “You don’t protect me by lying or shutting me out and saying it’s because you love me.”
“I know.” My head hung with shame.
“I need to hear you say it, Jasper.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “I don’t get to decide what you can handle. I don’t lie to you, even when I think the truth will hurt.”
“And?”
“When I’m in trouble, I’ll tell you. When I don’t know how to fix something, I’ll let you help.”
Her eyes shone. “That’s what a partner does.”
“I’ve never had one before.”
“You have one now.”
I closed the distance between us and cupped her face. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
“I love you.”
“I know that, too.”
“You’re going to make me work for this, aren’t you?”
Her mouth tipped up. “For the rest of your life.”
“Good. That’s how long I plan on sticking around.” I kissed her forehead, then reached inside my suit coat.
Delilah leaned back. “What are you doing?”
“I didn’t get to do this right at the gala. Abby rushed things.” I pulled out a velvet box.
Her smile faded. “Jasper.”
“I bought it three days ago.”
“When I wasn’t returning your calls?”
Nodding, I gave her a smile. “I didn’t say it was smart. I needed to be ready in case you didn’t tell me to go to hell.”
I opened the box. A round diamond sat between a few smaller stones shaped like leaves. “It reminded me of the orchard. Of roots and growing something meant to last.”
Her fingers covered her lips.
“I meant every word tonight, but I want to ask without a ballroom full of people watching. And without my sister answering for you.” I lowered myself to one knee. “Delilah Stone, will you marry me?”
Tears trailed down her cheeks. “Yes.”
“Just making sure you hadn’t changed your mind.” I slid the ring onto her finger. I was a perfect fit.
She stared at it for half a second before trying to haul me to my feet. The second I stood, her lips caught mine. There was no frantic rush this time. No need to grab hold before the moment disappeared. She wasn’t leaving.
I pulled her close, the satin of her dress sliding against my suit. “Are you sure?”
