He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, then added, with a teasing confidence that made her heart skip, “Besides… it’s about time the family meets my bride.”
Maya’s breath caught, her cheeks warming as her pulse quickened. She looked up at him, eyes wide, caught somewhere between shock, delight, and disbelief. The weight of his words, the sincerity in his gaze, wrapped around her like a spark she hadn’t expected—but one she couldn’t deny.
For a moment, the noise of the dining room, the clink of silverware, and even Dahlia’s gentle smile all blurred into the background. There was only Damien, and the unspoken promise in that single, potent declaration.
Dahlia’s eyes glistened, a tender warmth softening her usually sharp features. “Oh… your dad and I can’t wait, and I’m sure your grandpare
