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Happily-ever-afters, the real kind, almost never happen easily or without a few dragons getting in the way.”
The point is, without a journey, without some struggle, a few challenges, and some metaphorical dragons—which Mummy will explain to you later—the happily-ever-after wouldn’t be so sweet.”
Kindness, gentleness, a brilliant mind, and a heart that inspires me to more—that’s what I’ve got my sights set on. Even if it’s not a realistic goal.
Not because I want to take advantage of it. That would be wrong, on so many levels. This has to be all about Seraf and what she needs.
“That’s quite true, Princess. You’re the picture of perfection.”
“Though I’m not above begging when it’s something—or someone—I really want.”
“Seraf, I would never take you for granted. It would be simply impossible.”
A man would have to be daft to miss the treasure you are.”
“You are gorgeous. Brilliant. A truly good woman. And if given the opportunity, I could make you completely forget Callum in a matter of minutes. But I want more than mere minutes. I want hours and days.”
“A lifetime,” he whispers. “Maybe a lifetime would be enough.”
“I don’t want a chase. No games,” I tell Rafe’s shoulder, blinking back my tears. “I want to be adored. Cherished. I want someone I can trust. I want a chance at love, even if it has to grow from friendship or from duty first. I’ve always wanted Callum. But it’s time to admit that he doesn’t want me back.”
“If you were mine”—Rafe’s arms tighten around me—“I would treasure you. I would adore you. I would cherish you the way you deserve.”
“I’ll be anyone you want me to be, Angel.”
“Perhaps when it comes to you, I won’t let anything hold me back.”
I fell for her the first time I met her, when we were just children. Within moments, she’d grabbed my heart straight out of my chest.
That’s the thing about her. She’s winsome and charismatic, like a star burning so bright you can’t NOT stare. But too humble to see herself that way. Seraf is as angelic as her name. Gorgeous, with the kind of beauty that shines through from somewhere deep inside.
“I prefer going all in when it’s something I want.”
“I’m always here.” His low voice travels through me like a lit fuse. “Anything you need, Angel. Especially if it involves zippers.”
For a brief flash, I see him as a father, swinging his own children around, laughing and relaxed.
“You are a treasure beyond value. Priceless.”
“Show some respect,” he snaps. “I think you’re forgetting that you are speaking to the Princess of Viore. Now, why don’t you give us a moment, and take that time to think very carefully about how you speak to my fiancée. I won’t tolerate this disrespect again.”
With Rafe, I have no trouble speaking my mind, having opinions—strong ones, and voicing them unapologetically. We fight, we tease, we talk without inhibitions. Being around him is like I’ve been taken off mute and instead dialed up to a ten. With Rafe, I am Serafina at full volume. I’m brighter, stronger, more. And he helps draw that out of me by giving me the space to be unapologetically ME.
“Because I shouldn’t have, and it was so … I’m so ...” “Gloriously perfect,” he says, and my mouth snaps shut.
To the woman who already has everything—remember that you can DO anything. -R
“Have I told you that you look simply beautiful, fiancée?”
“You’re both. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Hot. Perfect.”
“This can be as real as you want it to be, Seraf.”
“It’s always been real for me.”
“Are you really asking me to marry you? This is for real?”
“But you would marry me?” “Yes.”
“I want you, Seraf. And whatever comes along with you, I’m willing to bear.”
“You are everything, Seraf. Everything. That was … wow.”
“And I’m pleased to have you with me, wearing my ring. Even if it’s only temporary.”
“It was always you I wanted. But I hardly saw you, and when I did, I didn’t know how to behave. I didn’t think I was worthy of you.”
“I’m choosing him, and I’m choosing to believe him. To at least give him a chance to account for this. He deserves that. And I deserve better than this.”
I will not be using Princess Serafina for anything. I love her. The money, the title, all of it means nothing to me. I want her. I’ve always wanted her.”
But whatever Seraf asks of me, my answer will be yes. I only hope that’s what this means.
I trace my thumb over the back of her hand, hoping she understands my reassurance: I’m here. You’re doing great. I love you.
Seraf, will you marry me?”
“Officially and unofficially, my answer is yes.”
“I love you, Seraf.”
“As long as I don’t miss the part where we make out in the rosebushes.”
“And I don’t want to miss whenever you decide to tell me you love me—even if that’s not tonight but in a month.”
“I love you, Rafe.”
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” recorded Rafe says. “Today is our big day. I love you, Angel. I can’t wait to see you, to wed you, and to—”
I finally allow myself to look at Rafe. He’s standing still, but somehow it seems as though every cell in his body is vibrating with motion. His eyes gleam with joy, adoration, and tears, which he may try to deny later.
And his smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it, made more dramatic by the stubble I still call his rogue o’clock shadow.
I don’t remember reciting vows. I don’t remember the message from the priest. I am only aware of Rafe’s warm hands enveloping mine, and his eyes, which are aglow with love. He is all I need.
suspect in the coming years, I’ll be the one who needs to remind her that she needs to remember herself, and I’ll be the one who puts her first, because she’ll put herself last, every time.
Though we’ve both been waiting and looking forward to tonight, I can’t say that there is even an ounce of disappointment, because we have the rest of our lives for everything else.
