we do now involves others. I want to get married here. Now. Just you, me, and whoever marries us."
My stomach flutters. "You don't mean that."
"I do. Today."
"It's not possible."
Her lips twitch. "You're a man who makes things happen."
"You will regret it."
"I won't. I know what I want."
I kiss her again and put my arm around her. "Let me show you the rest of the house."
The next day, I wake up, and she whispers in my ear, "Why am I not your wife yet?"
"Do you think I'm going somewhere, ma belle?"
"No."
"Patience. Good things come to those who wait," I tease her and spend the next hour giving her multiple orgasms and making her beg me until she's hoarse.
Later in the day, the jeweler comes over. I tell Emilia he's a business contact. She goes into the backyard to read a book. I can see her outside, lying in the lounger, reading.
The jeweler shows me diamonds worth millions of dollars. All are fancy and rare.
I pick up a curved trillion-cut stone. It resembles a triangle, yet doesn't have the straight edges. It nearly blinds me with its sparkling brilliance.
"Ah. Simple yet elegant. You hardly ever see anyone with a diamond this shape," the jeweler says.
"This is the one. I need it set in platinum."
I pick bands next. "Please engrave, 'To ma belle, forever my heart, forever my equal, forever yours, Malin,'" I instruct him on her band. I hold up mine. "Please engrave on one side, 'Emilia,' and the other 'Ma belle.'"
It may not be visible to others, but now, every time she wears her collar, I will wear her names. It doesn't make it right, but I want her to remember she is mine as much as I am hers.
"Everything needs to be brought back by sunset."
The jeweler smiles. "I will have it to you by six o'clock."
I drive around the countryside with Emilia all day. When we return, the jeweler pulls in.
"I have a surprise for you. If you go to our room and get changed, I'll show you," I tell Emilia.
"Change into what?"
"You'll see. I have something special set out for you."
She smiles and wiggles her eyebrows. "Is it dirty?"
I chuckle and peck her on the lips. "Go see."
She obeys.
I go to his car, and he rolls down the window. He hands me the box, and I go inside.
A hair and makeup stylist, along with a seamstress, are in her room waiting for her.
The backyard is decorated with candles. It's a perfect night. Darkness sets in. The clear sky is full of stars, and the moon is full. A catering team of three and the officiant are the only people around. The head chef will serve as our witness.
I nervously wait until the team of women come down the stairs and leave. I go up to the bedroom, and my heart soars when I see her.
Ma belle is in a fitted, white lace, backless gown with long sleeves. Her makeup is light, showing off her stunning features. Her long hair flows in natural waves.
I step in front of her. "You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen, ma belle."
She puts her hand on my cheek. "And you are the most handsome man I have ever seen."
I kneel in front of her and take her hand. Her eyes glisten. "You are the sun and moon wrapped in sugar. Brightness. Sweetness. Innocence and sophistication swirled together. When we were in Belize, I knew I wanted you to be my wife, to stand next to me as my equal and nothing less. If you agree to become my wife, I will worship and protect you until I die. Ma belle, will you marry me?"
A tear drips down her cheeks. She bends and kisses me on the lips. "Yes. The only thing I've ever wanted in my life is you."
"And I you." I slide her ring on her finger and rise. "Ma belle, it's not too late. Are you sure you don't want to get married with your sister or anyone else present?"
"No. I just want us." Her voice is adamant and full of love.
"Then let's go downstairs and get married."
She kisses me again.
"I think you're supposed to save that," I tease her.
She laughs.
We go outside and, under the moon and stars, profess our love forever. In French, we vow only to be each other's equals, to love for eternity, and to never let our adoration falter.