Harlequin Romance March 2021 Box Set Cara Colter (the mitten read aloud TXT) 📖

‘That was quite a surprise,’ Charlie said at last, turning to him, her hand on his arm.

‘A good surprise?’

‘The best.’

‘Good, because I have another surprise for you.’ He took a deep breath and held her hands. ‘If I was a different man and if you were a different woman maybe I would have asked this earlier, got on stage at the end of the gala when you were receiving your flowers from the children, done it in front of all your family and friends.’ He stopped and grinned although his heart was hammering so hard he could feel it vibrating in his chest. ‘Or maybe I would have whisked you to some elegant little restaurant and slipped this into your wine glass.’ He released her hands and pulled a small box out of his pocket, holding it out. ‘I know better than that, however. I hope you forgive me for buying this in advance and planning to give it to you tonight.’

Charlie took the box but didn’t open it, looking up at him, eyes wide. ‘I’ve already got an engagement ring,’ she said. ‘I may not have worn it for a while, but I have it. It’s in my case; I take it everywhere.’

‘I know. This isn’t an engagement ring or a wedding ring. You have those and I hope you feel you can wear them again. This is a please stay married to me ring; it’s an eternity ring.’ He flicked the box open and she gasped as she took in the gorgeous art deco eternity ring, emeralds and sapphires and amethysts side by side on the platinum band.

‘Oh, Matteo.’

‘I bought this for you in New York. It was an apology and a promise to do better and a pledge all in one. Only when I got back you were gone. I told myself it was for the best but I kept the ring; I couldn’t bear to sell it. I meant it then and I mean it now. This is a let’s be together for eternity ring. This is a let’s do better next time no matter what ring. What do you think?’

Charlie didn’t answer for a long moment, but when she finally took it from him her eyes shone. ‘I say yes, Matteo. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, about what kind of person I am, the kind of person I want to be. How to maintain my independence and be happy and yet be the kind of wife you can rely on. I’ve been thinking that if I come back I have to be all in, no matter how hard it gets. But I know that being with you is worth every bump in the road, you’re worth it, Matteo.’

It was his turn to pause, overcome by her words. ‘I almost got buried again in responsibilities,’ he confessed. ‘I was so close to not fulfilling my promise to you. But I also had to figure out what I want from life. My role, the legacy my grandfather wants to give me is important, but so are you. I need to make some changes, persuade my grandfather to take a step back, bring in people I can trust so I don’t feel the need to manage everything myself, give my father a chance now he claims to be a reformed character, get to know my mother…’ He laughed shakily. ‘It’s quite a list but I can only do it with you by my side. You asked me a few days ago what kind of person you were. The kind of person who gives up her holiday to make a child’s dream come true, the kind of person who tries to solve every problem she sees, the kind of person who embraces life. The person I want by my side every step I take, the person I want to support in everything that makes her happy.’

‘Oh, Matteo. That’s where I want to be too. Wherever that is, London, here, Kent, it doesn’t matter.’ She laughed then. ‘Although let’s make sure it’s here often. Natalia offered me a job, well, half offered, and I was so tempted to say yes. I love it here.’

‘Who knows?’ he said. ‘I am planning to work from home a lot more so we could have a home in Kent, or maybe here. I am willing to see where the adventure takes us.’

She softly pinched his cheek. ‘Is this really you? I don’t think I have ever been happier.’

‘Maybe save some of that happiness for tomorrow because I have one more surprise for you. Tomorrow we’re coming back to these gardens for a small party, one where we get to say our vows in front of our families. I promised you we would have a proper celebration with our parents and it’s shameful I never found the time. Your parents arrive in the morning.’ He paused, trying to read the slightly stunned look on her face. ‘I hope that’s okay. It will be pretty embarrassing if you think it’s too soon to make that kind of commitment. I have just realised how stressful being impulsive can be.’

Charlie just stared at him. ‘My parents are coming here?’

‘They wanted to be here tonight but it wasn’t possible, but they arrive in Rome tomorrow morning and should be here mid-afternoon.’

‘You organised all this for me?’ She stepped closer, running her hand softly down his cheek.

‘For us,’ he said, dipping his head and kissing her at last, the way he’d wanted to do since he’d seen her. She kissed him back ardently and sweetly, her body entwined around his. He pulled back to study her face. ‘I love you, Charlie. I don’t think I’ve ever said that enough. I certainly haven’t shown it enough, but I do. I love you. My heart is yours always.’

‘And I love you, Matteo. I’d much rather be with you and see what adventures life brings us than anything else in the world.’ She reached for