Second Chance Mess (Bad News Billionaires #1) - Lucia Jordan Page 0,53

shoot down, and it's the same reason that I risked stepping away from the Spokane project so that I could devote time to work on this home with Max to give to you. It's because I feel like I belong to you too. I feel like we belong to each other, and I swear to you that I have never felt that way about anyone else, and I never will. You and I are meant to be together. I need to be able to show you that, not just in words but in an effort, and time, and in the details of this home that show you how much I have paid attention to and cherished every moment we've had together."

I got down on my knee and felt as though my heart was going to pound through my ribcage as I pulled the little velvet box out from the pocket of my joggers. I watched as Brooke's eyes flooded with tears, and she clasped her hand over her mouth in response to the tiny gasping sound that she made.

"Brooke Clarke, I love you more than I had ever thought it possible to love someone, and I want to spend every day and night showing you how very much I love and cherish you. Please, consider being my wife."

I opened the tiny box and held up the beautiful diamond that sparkled like a thousand of the brightest stars. Then, before Brooke had a chance to say anything in response to me, I stood up and took the ring out of the box and reached for her hand. Instead of putting it on her finger, I turned her hand over and rested the ring against her palm. She looked at me in confusion.

"This perfect little home and this ring made out of stars and everything that I am and have to offer, I give to you as a token and commitment of my love for you. Take this night to be here in your cozy utopia and think about it. I want you to be a thousand percent sure that this is what you want or don't want before you give me an answer. I don't want to push or pressure you. I want you to know it in your heart when you come to me with an answer. If you decide it's what you want, then I'll put the ring on your finger. Until you make a decision, then it is yours to hold in your hand. I love you, Brooke, and I want you to know that regardless of anything else."

I leaned forward and kissed her and held her as she shook with tears that I was hoping were tears of joy but I wasn't entirely sure. There were so many feelings swirling around us, and even Max looked like he was getting a bit emotional. When I let her go and took a step back, Max stood up as well and came over to hand her the key to her new sanctuary.

"Where are you going to be?" she asked as Max and I walked toward the door.

"I'll be in the house, giving you time to think and enjoy your gift," I smiled. "I'm sure Max will be in his van."

Max laughed. "She doesn't care where I'll be. This is all about you two lovebirds."

I turned around one last time before I let the door to her beautiful new tiny home close behind me and smiled at her as she stood still in her same spot, looking happily overwhelmed. I wanted to stay with her tonight and make love to her in her violet and moss green bed, but I knew that the only way to make sure she knew this was what she wanted was to give her time alone to think about it.

Max came back up into the house with me for a few minutes before heading out to his van.

"Dude, I have to admit that you totally nailed that whole scenario. That was pretty fucking beautiful."

"Thanks," I laughed. I thought that was the nicest and most sincere compliment I'd ever gotten. "I owe you so much. Without you, I never would have been able to do this for her."

"That's what I'm here for," he said as he gave me a big hug and pat on the back. "All right, I'll be back tomorrow after I wake up sometime. I need to see how this all plays out between you two. For what it's worth, I really hope