Page 87 of Lost Prince
“Thank fuck.” I bury my face in her wild red hair and inhale her scent. When I pull back, I look down at her. “A baby? I’m still reeling.”
Diana looks down. "I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I didn't want to complicate things for Ava and your family."
More guilt. I reach out, gently tilting her chin up so she meets my gaze.
"I'm so sorry. I was trying to do what I thought was right, but I was wrong. Can you forgive me? Can we start over?"
Diana's eyes search mine. “If you really want me and the baby to stay… like a family, Lazaro. I don’t want to be your woman for now until you find another one.”
“I don’t want another one. Did you miss the part where I said I love you?”
Her lips twitch upward. “No. I heard that.”
“I don’t think you did. I love you. I love you. I love you.” The more I say it, the easier it is. The more I want to shout it to the world.
She laughs. “I just… this feels like my place, Lazaro. I don’t want to be wrong.”
“You’re not wrong. Your place is here with me. If I got down on one knee and asked you to marry me, would you believe it?”
And then I see it. That sparkle. The life. “I don’t know. Maybe you should try it.”
“Fuck. I’m not prepared. I don’t have a ring or flowers.”
She deserves the works. Fancy dinner. Romantic music. A ring the size of a golf ball.
“I don’t need a ring. I just need you.”
Without hesitation, I drop to one knee, taking her hand in mine. “Diana. I know I’ve been a fucking idiot, but I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?"
31
DIANA
Isort of wonder, again, if I’m dreaming. I mean, ten minutes ago, Lazaro was telling me I shouldn’t be here. Two minutes ago, I was walking away. And now, he’s on one knee asking me to marry him. Surely, this is a dream. Whatever it is, I’m going to grab hold.
Overwhelmed by the rush of emotions flooding through me, I throw my arms around him. “Yes.”
Lazaro's face lights up with joy as he rises from his knee with me still wrapped up in his arms. He spins me around, his laughter filling the air. It’s a magical sound, one I hope I hear for years and years to come.
He sets me down, and as his lips meet mine, the world around us melts away. There’s just me and him. The kiss is passionate, desperate, as if we're trying to make up for all the time we've lost. This moment, right here, is everything I've ever dreamed of but never dared to hope for.
When we finally part, I’m breathless. He's turned my world upside down in the best possible way. The man everyone else fears has become my safe harbor, my protector, my love.
A wave of pure happiness washes over me. For the first time in my life, I feel like I truly belong somewhere. With Lazaro, I'm not just passing through. I'm home. This is the family I've been searching for my entire life.
I know it won’t always be like it is at this moment. Lazaro is a complicated man still haunted by his past, but I know together, we’ll weather all storms.
I place a hand on my stomach, thinking of our child growing inside me. Lazaro covers my hand with his own, his touch gentle and reverent. The look of wonder on his face makes my heart swell with love.
It’s only then I notice the bruising and scrapes on his knuckles. “You’re hurt.” I lift his hand to my lips, but he pulls it away.
“It has Hartley on it. I don’t want any part of him on you.”
It’s a sweet sentiment.
“I’m going to take a shower, wash all this away.”
I give him a flirty smile. “Do you need help?”