She sniffed and words seemed to tumble from her. “But what about your work? Where will we live?” She bit her lip to stop herself.

He smiled at her, knowing how difficult it was for her not to want to have everything planned out before she took this next step. “We can work it all out. Together.” He took the ring in one hand and grasped her left hand with the other. “Will you marry me?”

A tear slid down her cheek. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He slid the ring on and she threw herself into his arms. As he held her close to his heart, he whispered in her ear. “We’ll work it out. Don’t you know by now all I want is for you to be happy?”

Sheer joy burst from inside Topaz. She was still scared, but she knew she and John could work through all her fears. She loved him enough to let him be himself and she trusted him to always be there for her. He loved her. For a man like John to say the words aloud meant his feelings were as solid as a rock. He loved her. They could figure out everything else later.

She kissed him then, kissed him with everything she had inside her. He held her, as always careful of his strength, protecting her, cherishing her. There were no doubts in her mind. This was the right man for her.

She leaned back and smiled. She’d always thought she’d end up with a conservative man. John was excitement personified, but she was no longer afraid of a life with him. It wouldn’t be staid and boring, but it would be filled with love.

He took her lips again and lowered them both back to the mattress. She could feel the weight of the ring on her finger, a tangible reminder of their love. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer.