He’d spent hours thinking of how to say this, searching for something unique and memorable. But when he looked into Mina’s warm gaze, each carefully crafted word disintegrated and he was left with the bare truth. ‘Will you marry me?’
He lifted his hand and showed her the ring he’d had made for her. A unique, modern piece of white gold and a square-cut ruby. Sparks shot off the facets as it trembled in the light.
Mina’s hand closed around his and he realised they were both shaking. He heard a muffled gasp and saw her eyes were overbright.
‘Mina? Sweetheart?’
She shook her head and smiled, her mouth a crumpled curve. ‘That sounds like a wonderful plan. I love you too, darling. And yes, I want to be with you, always.’
Elation surged so high he felt ten feet tall. Alexei bent to kiss her but her fingertips on his lips stopped him. ‘You don’t want to see my gift?’
‘Sorry?’
‘My gift.’ Mina reached over to a nearby table and picked up a small box. She flipped the lid and there were two matching wedding rings. ‘I thought a year was time enough. I want you with all my heart, Alexei.’ She laughed, the sound like liquid crystal, shining with promise. ‘It seems we both had the same idea.’
‘Because we’re perfectly matched.’ He spared an appreciative glance for the finely crafted wedding bands, then lifted her hand and slid the engagement ring onto her finger. Emotion threatened to overwhelm him.
‘We definitely are.’ She moved her fingers, admiring the ring. ‘Thank you, Alexei. I never thought I could be so happy.’
‘Nor did I.’ He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. ‘And this is just the beginning.’ Then he scooped her up and swung her round till the room rang with her delicious laughter. It was a sound he looked forward to hearing for the rest of his life.
* * * * *