Her mouth went dry. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.” He grinned, leaned over to his bedside table, and withdrew something from within. “This is for you.”
He dropped a small, black, velvet drawstring bag into her hand. Slowly, she pulled it open and turned it upside down, holding her palm out as she shook the bag. A band fell into her hand, simple and shiny. Diamonds dotted the entire circle, the stones twinkling in the dim light from the single lamp that was on. “Jared…it’s beautiful. But I already have a ring.”
“A giant-ass ring that I didn’t even pick out for you. It’s still yours but…I thought this would fit you better. You can wear it when you paint and it won’t get in the way.”
She looked at him, loving the smile on his face, the way his eyes glowed as he watched her. Oh God, if she didn’t love him so much already, his gift, his words would’ve sent her straight over the edge. This thoughtful, gorgeous, sexy man was all hers. How did she get so lucky?
“I love it.” She handed it to him. “I want you to put it on my finger, though.”
He took it from her, his fingers trembling, and she smiled at that little display of nerves.
Grabbing her left hand, he held the ring poised at the tip of her finger, his gaze meeting hers, his expression solemn. “I promise to love and honor and cherish you forever, Sheridan Quinn. Having you in my life has made it brighter, better. Complete. I’d be lost without you, baby. You gotta know that.”
Tears filled the corners of her eyes and she blinked them away, shivering when he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. “I promise to love and honor and cherish you forever, Jared Quinn. Though I can’t promise to obey, I vow to love you and take care of your every need.” She kissed him, her lips lingering. “I don’t need a fancy wedding ceremony or a big reception to prove to everyone that we’re married for real this time. This is enough for me.”
“Mmm, I agree. As long as you’re happy.” He kissed her again, his tongue delving, teasing. “So. You meant what you said about taking care of my every need?”
She smiled. “Uh huh. Do you need something right now?”
“Yeah, I do.” Moving quickly, displaying those fast reflexes he was famous for, he rolled her over. Held her pinned beneath his hard, hot body. “Right now, more than anything, I need you.”
“Hmm, well, let me accommodate you,” she murmured, pulling him in for another kiss. She would dedicate the rest of her life to attending Jared’s every need.
Especially since she knew he would generously return the favor.