“A part of me didn’t think you would say yes, considering all I’ve put you through.”
I smile and rub his jawline before gripping his chin to kiss him again. I need his lips on mine. He kisses me back. This time slowly, passionately. Trent pours everything he is feeling into it. I can feel how nervous he was. I can feel how much he loves me.
This time when we part, I am the first to speak. “I love you, Trent. Nothing else matters.”
I swear he lets out a breath like he was waiting for my confirmation.
“I love you. You’re mine. Forever.”
His words are confident. Like he has never been so sure of anything in his life. It makes my heart swell knowing just how much he loves me.
He leans back and pulls the ring from the box. I can’t take my eyes off the white gold ring. I’m still in shock over the size of the diamond. This must have cost Trent a small fortune.
He grabs my left hand and slides the ring on. He kisses my hand once before letting it go for me to examine the ring. I hold it up. It fits perfectly. How he knew my ring size is a question for another day. Right now I don’t care. I study the single diamond as it shimmers in the moonlight.
“Merry Christmas, Fal.”
I can’t contain the tears as I smile back. “Merry Christmas, Trent.”
The ring is perfect. Tonight has been perfect. Absolutely perfect, I think as another tear falls. I can’t help it. So many emotions.
“Well!” I hear a cheerful voice.
Vivian.
I look up from staring at the diamond on my finger to see both of Trent’s parents standing there. Their faces are lit up in excitement. They knew!
“She said yes!”
Happiness radiates from Trent as he stands, pulling me up with him. His arm snakes around me tightly as they come up.
“Wait! Did you know?” I don’t know why, but I need to know. I just have to.
“We did. Congratulations!” Tom says as he claps Trent on the shoulder.
Meanwhile, Vivian grabs my left hand. She nods, saying nothing, but I can see the silent tears stream down her face. It makes my heart constrict. She is full of emotions, like me. This must be hard, yet exciting for her. In a way it almost makes me feel guilty. She’s clearly torn, and it breaks my heart.
“Vivian.” My voice breaks, whispering her name.
Trent goes still next to me. He grabs my right hand, holding it tightly. Too tightly.
She shakes her head. “I’m fine. Don’t you worry about me. I’m just so happy for the two of you.” She pulls me in, placing a quick kiss on my cheek.
When she steps back, my eyes find Trent’s. His dark eyes narrow. He’s worried I’ll change my mind. That the guilt will override what we’ve built. I can feel it pouring off of him.
While the guilt may creep in from time to time, the love I have for Trent is always there. It never wavers. We both deserve to be happy, even on the days I don’t feel I deserve to.
Squeezing his hand, hoping to reassure him, I turn my attention back to his parents. They are standing there, wrapped up in each other. They are happy for us, that much is evident.
“I can’t believe you two knew this entire time!”
Tom laughs. “It was all Trent. He planned everything. The trip and all.”
My mouth gapes once again. He did all of this? Before I can begin to process, he interrupts my thoughts.
“I think it’s time I take my bride-to-be back to our room.” Trent’s words are strained, and I can’t tell if it’s because he is still worried or if it’s because he’s dying to get me in bed.
“Right, yes, good idea.” Tom winks. “Merry Christmas, you two.”