Epilogue—Olivia, Five months later

Today is already the best birthday I’ve ever had.

I hate to remember Jude in any shape or form. But tonight, I’ll allow myself one final memory because today was the day I was supposed to marry him.

As I stare up at the starry sky, I whisper a silent prayer of thanks to whoever’s listening.

I didn’t marry Jude, and my family is saved.

My heart was saved, and I couldn’t feel luckier or happier to be with Aiden. The man who feels like a dream come true.

The man who is always thinking of ways to spoil me. Tonight he apparently has a bigger surprise for me than this little getaway on his yacht where he’s been cooking gourmet meals for me by day and owning my body over and over again by night.

Waves crash against the side, and I admire the brilliant moonlight beaming down on the water, sparkling like diamonds have been splashed against the surface.

It’s enchanting to watch, and I allow myself to revel in all the ways my life has changed.

Eric moved to L. A. a few months after I did. I practically moved back in with Aiden a few weeks after he came to see me, but realistically if I’m honest, the man swept me away days after, and I was with him so much moving in was inevitable.

Definitely inevitable when I fell for his little boy and loved him like he was my own.

I finished that novel of mine, and it was accepted by a publisher who loved it so much they offered me a contract for five more books.

Things happened fast, and everything finally felt right. I felt like I could truly move on with my life and be happy.

I smile wide when warm hands slip around my waist, and I’m pulled flush against the steel walls of Aiden’s chest.

“I’m ready for you, birthday girl,” he whispers into my ear, and I turn into his arms so we can kiss.

“What is this surprise, Aiden?” I ask between kisses.

“You’ll see.”

He scoops me up and carries me up to the top deck, where a candle-lit meal awaits.

“Oh my gosh. That’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as the woman in my arms, angel’skoye lichiko.”

“You’re spoiling me.”

“I want to.”

He sets me down and ushers me to sit on the little wooden chair behind the table. Then to my surprise, he kneels before me, takes my hand, and kisses it.

“I don’t think there’s been a day that’s gone by since we met where you haven’t done something to make me fall harder for you,” he says.

I reach out and touch his face.

“Maybe that’s because you do the same for me.”

“I can only hope I do. I meant what I said that night we first met.”

“You said many things that night.”

“I did, but there was only one important thing. I said you were mine. You are, and I don’t want to wait any longer to claim you as mine. It’s your birthday, and I want you to have good memories of this day instead of what was supposed to happen to you.”

I’m smiling until he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a little black velvet box. When he flicks the box open, revealing a beautiful princess cut diamond engagement ring, my hands fly up to my cheeks.

Shock suffuses my being, and I’m so stunned I can hardly breathe.

“Aiden,” I mutter.

“I would be so honored if you married me, angel’skoye lichiko. Be my wife and the angel who keeps me going. Be mine forever.”

“Yes,” I reply.

There was never any other answer than yes for me.

He slips the ring on my finger and pulls me in for another kiss.

“I love you,” he says.

“I love you too.”