CHAPTER TWELVE

"I think you owe me dinner," smiled Clark as they stepped off the boat onto Belle Fleur property.

"You know what, I definitely do," grinned Alistair. "Clark? We're probably going to be heading to West Virginia in a few days. We're going to hunt those men down."

"I know," she nodded.

"You can't come, Clark. Not because you're not trained or not as good as we are. Because I won't be able to concentrate worrying about you and what those men might do if they get to you."

"I know."

"You're okay with this?" he asked.

"No. But I understand. I'm not a hundred percent either, and I wouldn't want to place any of you in danger. I can help from here and still bring value to the team." He hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head.

"Thank you. Thank you for not making me beg."

"There's only one thing I want to make you beg for," she smirked, standing on her toes so that her lips were near his.

"Baby, you will never have to beg me for…"

"Chocolate cake," she grinned.

"Seriously?"

Clark laughed, jogging around him toward their cottage. She ran up the stairs, leaving the door open, and he walked in behind her, locking it. Her head popped out of the door, her arm swinging her shirt back and forth and then tossing it toward him.

"Maybe two things," she smiled.

By the time Alistair got to the bedroom, she was naked as the day she was born. Her long blonde hair was undone from the bun fanned around her luscious body. Clark nibbled on her lower lip as he stripped. The rippling abs made her body heat to an unhealthy degree. His lean muscles in his legs and arms had a fine sheen of perspiration and hair.

He was all man.

"Have I told you how much I love this body?" he groaned.

"Nope." She watched, licking her lips, as he rolled the condom over his thick cock.

"Let me show you," he said, sliding inside her. She was perfect for him. Fit him like a glove. Wet, warm, tight, and her hips knew exactly what to do to make him wild. The full, firm breasts bounced beneath him as he took one nipple in his mouth, teasing her with his tongue.

"Alistair," she gasped. "Alistair, I'm in love with you."

"I know, baby. I know because I love you, too. Marry me," he said, driving into her. Breathless, gulping big mouthfuls of air and releasing, she nodded. "Say it."

"Please, Alistair. I'm so close."

"Say it," he grinned, not letting her know that he was even closer.

"I'll marry you. Yes!"

The next round was slow and sweet, relishing in their new relationship and the idea of spending the rest of their lives together. Showered and excited to share the news, they arrived just in time for dinner with the rest of their family.

"I know that look," smiled Fitch. "Congratulations."

"How did you know?" laughed Clark.

"Honey, there have been more engagements at this place than probably anywhere else in the world. We all know that look," he laughed.

"I'm so excited for you both," said Carsen. Ruby was walking toward them, and Alistair smiled at his great-grandmother.

"I knew it. I knew you wouldn't let this girl slip away. She's special, Alistair. Don't you let her get away, and you'd better treat her right, or you'll have me to deal with."

"I'm not going to let her slip away, Great-grandma. And believe me. I will treat her like the special woman that she is. I'm marrying her," he laughed.

"I know that. I know. I got something for you. You don't have to use it if you don't want to, but I thought maybe it'd be something you'd want to give your wife." She pulled a small box from her dress pocket and handed it to Alistair. He opened it, tears filling his eyes.

"GG Ruby," he said, shaking his head.

"Just show her," she smiled. Alistair turned, showing Clark the ring. It was a stunning three-carat ruby surrounded by diamonds.

"Now, I know rubies ain't for everyone," said Ruby. "I just thought it could be something special for the two of you."

"It's perfect," whispered Clark. "It's absolutely perfect."

Alistair slid it onto her finger, grateful that her left hand wasn't the one broken. She stared at the massive gemstones, shaking her head.

"It's so beautiful," she cried, hugging Ruby.

"Now, now. Don't cry. We're family, and family takes care of one another. I was a lucky woman who made a lot of money in my day. Still make good money. I can do this for my family."

"I'd like to wait until all of this is settled before we get married," said Clark. "My parents should be able to come if I give them enough time."

"Whenever you say, baby. I'm just grateful you said yes."

"I'm not sure I had a choice," she laughed, winking at him in a whisper. "I believe you were withholding my pleasure until I said yes."

"I would never do such a thing," he smiled. "Come on. Let's eat and do a repeat of that event. I'm feeling energized all of a sudden. I'm going to be a married man soon and, hopefully, a father in the next few years."

"You're going to be a great dad," said Clark.

"And you're going to be an amazing mom," he said, kissing her again. "Let's eat and call your folks. I want to set a date so we can get working on this wedding."

"I couldn't agree more."