Chapter seventeen

"I would have asked you that first night if I didn't think it would have scared you silly. Kimberly, I love you. There's never going to be anyone else for me. But I don't want to rush you. You've had a lot of change and adjustment in the past month. Don't stand there and think for one minute I don't want you. The minute you think you're ready, I'll have you standing under the moon so fast it will make your head spin. I was going to wait until Christmas day to do this, but I can't wait anymore."

Derek pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket and handed it to me. My heart stopped dead and then started beating wildly as I looked at it in my palm.

"I bought it for you in Las Vegas. Open it," Derek whispered.

My fingers shook as I reached for the lid and pulled the box open. Inside was an engagement ring. Three emerald cut diamonds set in platinum that sparkled and flashed under the kitchen lights; it took my breath away.

"I love you, Kimber. Marry me. Be my mate, my partner, my lover,