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He took a deep breath.

‘What are you doing?’ She laughed as he shifted to one knee.

‘You are utterly amazing, Mia, and I love so many things about you. You’ve lit up and improved my life since the day you walked into Glimmers. I love that your smile is so contagious it should have a health warning. I love that you’re strong enough for both of us and give me the courage to do things I couldn’t have without you – to face fears that kept me frozen for years. I love how you make me want to be a better person, just by being you. And I love that you exploded magic into my life without even knowing it existed.’

‘Aiden, I…’

‘Please, let me finish?’

She nodded, not taking her eyes of him.

‘I love that even though you were the one who started our “fun” – and it really is amazing with you – and even though you drive around with hundreds of condoms and your plas-dicks, giving sex ed classes, when it comes to talking about yourself, you still blush… all the way up and down.’ He chuckled at the gorgeous flush of pink. ‘And I love your baggy jumpers and leggings – and not just because of how great your arse looks in them, but because when you’re relaxed like that, when you’re comfortable and at ease and being your authentic self, you’re absolutely mind-bogglingly beautiful. I even love your glasses and messy hair. I love how easily your hand fits into mine, and how perfect you feel cuddled up next to me. And I love how stubborn you are, and that you refused to give up on me, and all but told me I should marry you…’

‘You did say yes.’

‘Smartest thing I ever did.’ He raised her hand to his lips to kiss her fingers. ‘I know our life isn’t always going to be easy, and that it’s probably not going to be the ideal start to a marriage, but I promise to always, always do my best for you. And I know that, even though you said you don’t need it, you still deserve fairy-tale magic. So, Princess, will you wear my ring? Will you let me propose to you too?’

She gasped when he pulled it out, her eyes sparkling almost as much as the emeralds and diamonds – picked to match the ring she’d given him. ‘Yes. Oh, Aiden, it’s beautiful. You didn’t have to, but I’m so glad you did. Yes please. Thank you.’

He slid the ring onto her finger. It fitted perfectly. He’d barely had a chance to look at it there, where he hoped it would stay forever, before she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and buried her fingers in his hair to kiss him passionately, forcing his mouth open with her tongue and nipping at his lips. He groaned into her mouth, and within seconds his arms were hot around her waist, dragging her against him hard, making her whimper in the best way and flooding heat and magic through her. When he broke away to breathe – annoying necessity that it was – she sighed happily.

‘Well, that was easier than I’d expected.’

He jumped and yelped when she smacked his arm. ‘You did not just call me easy!’

‘If I did, it was a compliment. Being with you is the easiest thing in the world. It’s not being with you that I find a lot harder.’

‘Aww. That’s actually kind of sweet.’

‘I do try. And yes, I know, it’s often your patience that I try.’

She laughed, that amused mixture of exasperation and love he adored so much. ‘You may have done in the past, but you’re usually worth it.’

‘I’ll do my best to always be. Worth it, I mean… not just annoying.’

‘You really don’t need to.’

‘I know, I’m plenty annoying.’

‘At times.’ She giggled. ‘But I meant the rest too. You don’t need to be anything except exactly who you are.’ She stroked his cheek. ‘You’re already more than enough. Just as you are.’

‘Mia…’ He started to argue, but she held up her hand to stop him.

‘Didn’t you mention an extra special dessert?’ Her eyes flicked over to the covered plate.

‘I did, yes. Did you want some?’

‘Of course. I love your cooking.’

‘Oh, so it’s only my kitchen skills you love me for?’ He couldn’t resist teasing.

‘Am I tasting this or not?’

‘Impatient, much? Close your eyes.’

‘Oooh, more surprises?’

She obeyed without hesitation, her beautiful eyes fluttering shut as her mouth opened slightly, giving him a few very wicked, specific ideas for games he tucked away for later. He pulled out one of the mini chocolate fondant bites and pressed it gently against her lips, which parted with a slight smile.