from Brooklyn.” His green eyes glowed. “Video-conferencing these days is almost as good as being there, and I’ve got great staff who really don’t need muggins here micromanaging their every move. My second-in-command is gagging for more opportunities to scope out properties on his own so…why not? Once in a while, I’d have to fly back and check on things, but otherwise…yeah, let’s do it! Bring on Brooklyn!”
“But you’re so hands-on.”
“Oh, I can be hands-on in New York. My green card is still valid, and my contacts from working for Budgie are solid.” He smiled confidently. “I know it sounds mad, but in a way, I know the New York building scene even better than London’s. Plus, they love a British accent over there!”
He needs to think about this. Leia pouted and toyed with a button on his jacket. “But you’ll miss Ava and your family.”
“I sure as hell won’t miss Mum.” He snickered. “But as for Ava, that’s what planes and FaceTime are for.” He stroked her cheek. “Leia, you are my life. You’re my priority. I let you go twice before. I’m not doing it again.”
A smirk hitched the corners of her mouth. “Sure, use my own words against me.”
“Well, they’re brilliant words.”
“You actually want to do this? For real?” Leia held her breath and fidgeted, her hand nervously slipping into her pocket.
Tarquin smiled. “Do I tidy up drunk?!”
She laughed tearfully and shimmied on the spot. “I can’t believe you’re coming with me!”
“Believe it. Leia, I want to build a life with you, and I don’t care if that’s here, New York, or on an island in the North Sea with no trees. I’m all in.”
Goose bumps peppered Leia’s skin, but they had nothing to do with the cold. “Thank you.” She looped her arms around his neck, overwhelmed with love.
I’m all in, too—and boy, am I gonna prove it to him tonight.
Leia couldn’t stop smiling. “You know…you’re the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met. You’ve my best friend. You’re my heart.”
He leaned in, gazing into her eyes. “And you’re mine, Leia.”
“I love you.”
Tarquin raised a cheeky brow. “I know.”
I know! Leia squealed and broke out into a sly grin. “Well, it does feel like Planet Hoth out here!”
His jaw dropped. “Ooh! I KNEW it! You have seen The Empire Strikes Back!”
“Yeah, yeah. Doesn’t mean I enjoyed it!”
“We might have to work on that.”
“No. We don’t.” Leia giggled. “But I don’t mind you loving it. In a way, Star Wars brought us together.”
She kissed him softly and swept a finger along his jaw before pulling away, her hands lowering, clasping a handful of dress. Lifting it a few inches above the ground, she shakily kneeled.
Tarquin’s brows pulled in. “Uh, Leia…what are you…”
She clasped his hand. “I know.”
“Sorry?”
Butterflies swooped and swirled in Leia’s belly. “Earlier, Joan said, ‘When you know, you know.’ And I do.” She smiled up at him, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Tarquin Octavius Balfour, will you marry me?”
“Blimey, Leia!” Tarquin squeezed her hand. “Like you have to ask! Yes! Yes! A million times YES!” His smile shone brighter than the Shard at New Year’s.
He wants to marry me! Her heart leapt, giddy with unbridled joy. She let out a delighted giggle. “I have something for you.”
His eyes widened. “Seriously? You bought a ring?!”
“No, but”—she fished the fabric measuring tape from her pocket—“maybe this can do for now?”
“Ah, love it! Resourcefulness, thy name is Leia!”
“Well, if Italian soldiers can make beautiful lights out of corned beef cans, I can create a ring from sewing supplies.”
Tarquin chuckled as she started winding the thin strip of fabric around and around his left ring finger. “But, Ley, do blokes actually wear engagement rings?”
“Some do!” She tucked the end into one of the layers of fabric. “Ta-da! We’re engaged!”
Tarquin marveled at his hand like she had given him a rare, priceless gem. “Now, come here, future wifey.” He bent down and helped Leia up. “You need a kiss worthy of a—” His happy gaze soured as it skirted her outfit. “Oh, bugger, your dress.”
Leia clutched her coat, slipping from her shoulders, and glanced down. A knee-sized blob of mud and several grassy smudges soiled the white silk. She shrugged. “I don’t care. It was worth it! Kiss me!”
Tarquin leaned in and cupped her face, his mouth gently claiming her lips. Leia curled her arms around his neck and urged him closer as her tongue teased, eliciting a groan of pure pleasure from her fiancé.
“Oh, Leia.” He sighed. “I’m going