years ago. This time was different. It not only had to do with our physical connection, but, most important, it had all to do with our matured emotional one.
“Yes,” I rasped, tightening my hold around his shoulders. “I’m perfect.” It wasn’t only his touch, his lips, or even his words, but all of that combined with my feelings for him that completed the perfect mix of ingredients needed to truly make love.
His focus never left my face. His expression almost looked angry, but I knew better. He was as overwhelmed as I was. He was trying to control his own emotions.
The crushing passion that swelled within me had nowhere to go but out through the tears that continued to roll. Just as he completely owned me, I could see through his expression that I completely owned him as well.
I ran a hand over his cheek, cupping his jaw tenderly. “Thank you for making my birthday magical.”
His eyes moistened. “I love you, Ree. You have no idea how much I love you.”
“You’re wrong. I do,” I said quietly.
Our helicopter ride back differed in that it was daylight. Ryder had arranged for the pilot to loop around Fort Lauderdale so I could see more than just the azure ocean beneath us. I sat mesmerized by the landscape we covered as he leaned close, watching me watching it.
If Sanibel set the bar high, then our time in the Bahamas catapulted that bar out of the atmosphere. But it wasn’t just because of his proposal, although I’ve been walking on clouds since. Because of every way we made love the past five days, I was in an orgasm-induced stupor.
And my euphoria was only partly because of the stunning tropical location, or the luxury surrounding us. It was partly from the exhilarating days we’d spent swimming with dolphins, having fancy meals, or engaging in sexy foreplay on the beach. Or the long talks while lying naked in bed. Even coming out of the shower to find a single rose on my pillow, making love with more purpose than simply to have an orgasm. Every one of those things contributed to my constant blissful state. But the main reason my birthday getaway encompassed the best days I’d had in my life was Ryder Carter.
The pilot maneuvering the copter down on the landing pad snapped me out of my thoughts. “Back to reality,” he said in my ear.
I turned toward him and smiled. “Thank you for an amazing birthday.”
He graced me with a reciprocating smile and kissed me chastely. “Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”
Wife.
I would be his wife, and the thought consumed me with joy. Every day with this man had me falling deeper and deeper in love. Not to mention, Ryder was making it hard to slip back into day-to-day life after each trip.
By the time we got home late Sunday afternoon, my bliss hadn’t lessened, and my face felt stiff from smiling so much. Once our driver dropped us off, Ryder threw our suitcases through the door, and we headed straight for the Puglias to get Kayla. I tried to stay behind, but he insisted that I go with him.
His reason was revealed when we walked into their house to be met with yet another birthday celebration. Rebecca, Marco, and the kids, along with Cooper and Ricky, welcomed us home with balloons and cake as they sang “Happy Birthday.”
Being caught off guard, my hand flew to my mouth in shock. The diamond sitting on my finger effectively had their birthday song careening off a cliff.
“What is that?” Rebecca asked, pointing to my hand. “Oh my God!” She rushed over and threw her arms around both of us. “Congratulations!” I caught Ryder’s eye over her shoulder, and he gave me a sexy wink.
One by one her husband, Ricky, and then Cooper followed suit. From their reaction, they were all thrilled with our news. However, I could tell something was on Cooper’s mind. Ryder wouldn’t know, as Cooper had been congratulatory and enthusiastic, listening to details of our trip. Still, there was something in his eyes I picked up on.
Sure enough, after we said our goodbyes, Ryder loaded up the car with Kayla and her stuff while Cooper held me back at the front door. “What? Say it,” I said with little patience. No way would I allow him to derail my happy train.
“I’m thrilled for you. I just think…” He sighed, yet I felt the lack of patience. When I folded my arms