“Because it was the right thing to do. And,” he added as he leaned in, “because as your brother and I were talking, all I could think about was you. Linnaea no longer felt like home. Tulay didn’t, either. When I thought of home, I thought of you. Once I realized what that meant, I knew removing the marriage stipulation from the agreement not only was the right thing to do, but it would give you the true choice I never gave you in the first place.”
“Oh, Cass.”
“Linnaea and Tulay have officially entered into an agreement that will provide substantial funds for Linnaea’s recovery. Your stepfather’s treatment is paid for, including a year’s worth of counseling services. Your stepsisters have full college funds, and the mortgage has been paid in full.”
A single tear slid down her cheek. He released one of her hands and wiped it away.
“Please don’t cry, Briony.”
“You’ve been so generous,” she said shakily as another tear fell.
“No, I haven’t. It’s what I should have done all along without holding an engagement ring to your head.”
“Cass...”
He put a finger to her lips.
“One last thing, Briony, and then I promise to be silent for whatever you have to say.” He came out of his chair, got down on one knee and reached into his pocket. Briony gasped as he pulled out a black velvet box and popped the lid. Nestled inside was her engagement ring, the emerald-and-topaz stones winking up at them.
“Briony, I love you. You’ve brought joy to my life. You’ve already made me a better man and a better leader. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and making me a husband?”
Tears were now cascading down her cheeks.
“Are you crying because you’re happy or because I’ve ruined any chance I ever had?”
With a deep sob she flung herself forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms flew around her and crushed her to his chest.
“Briony,” he breathed into her hair, inhaling her intoxicating scent, “is that a yes?”
She pulled back and framed his face between her hands. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” She pressed her lips to his. Hunger and love surged through him as he buried one hand in her hair and poured all of his emotion into their embrace. His mouth moved over hers, claiming her with every touch.
At last, they emerged for a breath. Cass slipped the ring on her finger and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. But, as her gaze moved from her ring back up to his face, he realized that even though Briony had accepted his proposal, she still hadn’t told him how she felt.
As if she could read his mind, she gave him the most incredible smile.
“I love you, Cass.”
He swallowed hard past the thickness in his throat. “Truly?”
“Oh, yes. I had already started to fall in love with you when you were plain Cass Morgan. And when you stood up for me, and encouraged my ideas, and saw the real me, I fell in love with Prince Cassius.”
He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose, then her cheeks, then once more on her lips, savoring her sweet sigh of contentment.
“I know your brother flew you here on the royal plane. But I think it would make much more sense for you to fly home with me.”
The smile that lit up her face made him feel like he could move mountains.
“Home,” she echoed. “That sounds wonderful.”
EPILOGUE
BRIONYSTAREDATherself once more in the mirror. But today, instead of gazing at her reflection with trepidation, she felt as if she could fly, she was so happy.
The designer had fashioned a gold creation, vines intertwining over the strapless bodice before cascading down onto the full, fluffy skirt. Matching gold slippers peeped out from beneath the material. A stylist had made her curls gleam beneath the matching veil. The florist had put together burgundy and white flowers that stood out beautifully against the gown.
Her hand drifted down to her stomach, still flat beneath the dress.
But not for long, she thought with a small, secret smile. She’d taken the test that morning. Cass would be getting quite the wedding present that evening.