“Shocking, I know.” He chuckles. “He was unbearable through the entire process. That should be proof enough that I’ll do anything it takes to show you how I feel. I probably didn’t need to do the rest of this.”
I squeeze his hand and press my cheek to his shoulder. He’s solid and warm—a safe place to land. “I’m glad you did the rest of it. It’s nice.”
“Nice enough for you to forgive me?”
It’s funny that I asked Mikhail for time to think. Now, we’re sitting here on a blanket under the stars and I can’t imagine what there is to think about. The truth is embedded in my bones, as much a part of me as my own heart.
“Of course I forgive you, Mikhail.” I turn into him, my hand curling above his heart. “I love you, too.”
His eyes widen. He’s stunned for just a second. Then he grips my waist a
