Page 60 of Triplets for the Dark Elf
“True.” I set them down, rubbing my hands together when he pulls out a wood box.
It’s completely polished in a fine cherry color that is heavy in my hands when he gives it to me. There’s an ornate design on the top of it that is carved into the wood. A beautiful creature with long wings stretches out with small flowers fluttering around it.
“Wow,” I say, running my hands over the smooth surface. “This is beautiful.”
“Open it.”
My fingers find the metal latch at the front and tug it up. The box opens easily, swinging on small hinges that make no noise. The inside of the box is a velvet interior with a soft pillow propping something up. I take it out, carefully setting the box down. Whatever it is, it’s wrapped in a silk bag.
I laugh a little. “What did you get me?”
“You’ll see. Open it.”
I tug at the satin ribbons tying it together and part the opening of the bag. Shaking it, I feel something heavy slide into my hand. When I turn it over, my eyes widen.
It’s a wooden plaque with a gold plate on it. My name is engraved on the front of it in curly writing while under it is a more bold-faced font that reads ‘SHOP MANAGER’.
My mouth drops open. “This is…”
“This shop is as much yours as it is mine. You deserve to have a title to match.”
Oh gods, I love this man so much.
I throw my arms around him, kissing and hugging him as much as I can. He laughs, catching me and tugging the plaque out of my hand before setting it down and scooping me into his arms.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it!” my eyes are so watery, practically swimming from how hard I’m trying to hold back from crying. “You really want me to be the manager?”
“Of course I do. You take care of this place better than I ever can. I’m just the one who funds it, you do all of the hard work selling the inventory.”
I can’t believe this.
I bury my face in his shoulder. “I love you.”
He sways me gently, chuckling. “And I love you.”
I’m so happy he found me. After so many years of wondering, secretly waiting for him to show up on my doorstep, or back when I’d had a crush on him and I thought he would never feel the same way I did, we are finally where we’re meant to be.
Together.
When he sets me back down onto my feet gently, he tucks my hair back from my face and cups my cheeks to pull me into a kiss. I sag into him, my chest feeling like it’s going to burst from all of the love I have bubbling up inside of me.
I love this man so much.
He pulls back slowly, smiling at me. “Ready to go pick up the triplets?”
I laugh softly. “Are we taking off early today?”
“Mmm,” his arms come around me, pulling me flush against him. “I’d love to spend time with my mate today, if that’s okay with her.”
“Hmmm.” I sway against him. “I suppose she might agree to that. Under one condition.”
“And what’s that?”
“That her mate cooks dinner.”
“Deal.” he grins.