Chapter Nine
He waited, and with each second that went by and she didn’t say anything, his stomach tightened further. He knew he had to show her his surprise, or he’d end up losing her.
“I need to show you something.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her up. He could feel her resistance but didn’t let go of her.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“The ballroom.”
“I’ve forgotten you had it. I’ve only seen it a few times. But this place is huge. I don’t think I’ve seen half of it.”
“Yes. We haven’t used this wing for years.”
Larkin sighed. “Darian, I really don’t feel up for this. How about I call you later?”
“No.” If he had his way, she wouldn’t be leaving.
They stopped outside double doors into the ballroom, and he stood in front of them and grabbed her shoulder.
“Baby, if there’s something you don’t like, we can change it, and please take into account it’s not done. It’s just waiting for your touch.”
“Darian, please.”
He opened both doors and watched her expression. She stood in shock for a long time, staring around the room before she walked around touching one thing after another.
The room had been transformed into a pink paradise. He spared no expense because he wanted to give her everything she’d ever wanted.
She twirled toward him. “What is this?”
“It’s where we’re going to have our wedding. This is the business I was talking about, baby. This is what kept me busy and sane this week. Nothing else could have. I won’t order flowers until the week before. I’ve got several pictures of cakes, but I want us to go to a taste testing, and you pick out the flavor and how you want it to look. There’s also your dress you have to choose.”
Every moment that passed, his anxiety rose.
****
She stared at him. The whole huge room was covered in her favorite color—pink. The walls were draped in shimmery-looking sheets of fabric. There were what looked like forty tables set up with expensive-looking china. She couldn’t believe the dishes were rimmed in pink.
She looked up at him. “Why now?”
“It’s time.”
“You’re just doing this because you’re losing me. This would have never happened before.”
“Baby, that’s bullshit.” He walked toward her and pulled something out of his pocket. “I bought this a week after you moved in here.”
He held out his hand to show her a small black velvet box.
She pressed her hand to her mouth.
He lifted the lid, and she stared down at a two-carrot pink diamond. It was even cut into a princess cut. It was square instead of round like most rings.
A gasp tore from her throat when Darian got down on one knee.
“Baby, I love you more than I can express. You are the other half of my soul. I know I fucked up, and I probably will again, but I need you in my life forever. Please, will you marry me?”
It felt like the world had stopped for her. Nothing moved, and there was no sound except the beating of her heart. She wanted to scream yes at the top of her lungs, but something was holding her back.
“Are you doing this because you feel guilty?”