“The collar is a lovely symbol, but I want the whole thing. That unbreakable commitment. I want to make that commitment to you, as Jamie and Summer did today. I want us to make those promises to each other, to our little girl, to any future children we’ll have. Do you want that, Layla?”
“Goddamn it, Duff,” she said, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Let me out of the cuffs.”
“Only when you agree to marry me.”
She started to laugh then, and her laughter mixed with tears as her system flooded with joy. “You crazy man. Of course I’m going to marry you. Jesus. You didn’t have to go to such lengths.”
“Didn’t I?” he asked, his wide grin back as he got up and released her from the cuffs.
She fell into his arms, and he pulled her close, kissing her, his lips a warm, steady press before he pulled away.
“I need to put the ring on your finger.”
“God, I forgot there was a ring.”
“That’s my practical girl.”
She laughed as he slid it onto her finger, then looked down at the large emerald-cut stone.
“Oh my God, Duff, it’s perfect. It’s so beautiful.”
She started shaking again and leaned into his big body for comfort—a comfort she knew would always be there for her. He would always be there for her.
“It’s you who’s beautiful, my love. My love forever.”
She looked up and caught his gaze in hers, her body melting all over again, her heart a liquid pool of need fulfilled and filled again.
“Yes. Forever.”
How many times lately had it occurred to her how lucky she was? She had the most amazing man in the world, the sweetest little girl ever born. And now this promise of permanence, which was something she’d never dared dream about. But it was real. They were real.
He wiped her tears with his thumb. “I like that you cry so much these days, princess.”
“Don’t say that!”
“It’s true. But I only like it because I know you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t feel safe with me.”
She sighed. “It’s true. I think . . . I think this is really the first time in my life I’ve ever felt this safe. I know you’ll be there to catch me, no matter what.”
“I will. I will swear it to you now, and every day to come.”
“I love you, Duff.”
“I love you, my princess. So damn much.”
“I can’t believe I’m getting married—me, of all people.”
“Us, of all people, my love, which makes us perfect for each other—don’t you think?”
“Yes. Perfect.”
As he bent to kiss her, letting her feel his love along with his command of her, she truly knew what absolute safety was. What absolute love was. And she knew she truly was the luckiest woman on earth.