Aria's POV
The next morning, I woke with Damon's arm wrapped securely around me. For a moment, I simply lay there, listening to his slow, even breathing.
There was something comforting about waking up like this. No fear. No tension. Just warmth and the steady presence of the man beside me.
Lydia was content. We love it here. It feels like home.
I smiled faintly.
Damon stirred beside me, and moments later, his eyes opened. He looked at me for several seconds before a small smile tugged at his lips.
"I meant what I said yesterday."
I raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"I'm not waiting anymore."
My heart skipped. "What do you mean?"
He reached toward the nightstand. When he turned back, there was a small velvet box in his hand.
I stared at it, my breath catching. "Damon."
He opened
