Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT A PRICE
Roman proposed the following November.
Not at Hawthorne House.
Not in a room full of powerful men.
Not beneath chandeliers.
He proposed in Tessa's kitchen.
She was making pasta.
Eli was visiting friends.
Rain tapped against the windows.
Roman stood beside the counter, helping chop vegetables.
Badly.
Tessa glanced at him.
“Those onions are enormous.”
Roman looked down.
“They're rustic.”
She laughed.
“They're practically furniture.”
He smiled.
Then he set down the knife.
“Tessa.”
She looked up.
Something in his voice changed.
“What?”
He reached into his pocket.
Her heart stopped.
Roman opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
Beautiful.
He looked nervous.
More nervous than she'd ever seen him.
“Tessa Vaughn,” he said quietly.
“I met you when I was a man who believed power meant getting what I wanted.”
Her eyes filled.
“You taught me how wrong I was.”
He swallowed.
“I can't undo what I did.”
“I can't erase the ways I failed people.”
“But I can spend the rest of my life choosing to do better.”
He looked into her eyes.
“I love you.”
Tessa covered her mouth.
“And I want to build a life with you.”
He paused.
“But only if it's what you want too.”
Tessa began crying.
Roman smiled faintly.
“I'm hoping that's a good sign.”
She laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
His expression changed.
“Really?”
“Yes, Roman.”
He closed his eyes.
She stepped forward.
Wrapped her arms around him.
And kissed him.
Then she whispered:
“But if you ever touch me without permission again—”
Roman laughed.
“I know.”
She smiled.
“You'll regret it.”
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
“Every day, I'll make sure you never have to say that again.”
