Epilogue

EPILOGUE

SASHA

ROUGHLY 15 MONTHS LATER

Today has been one of the best days of my life and I can't wait until I get home to the man of my dreams so I can tell him all about it. It was my first day at Dover, Cox, and Associates law firm as a lawyer and not just a law clerk, and it went better than I could have imagined.

I'm exactly where I wanted to be in life but some days it still feels like a dream. I've got an amazing man who loves me, a cozy little house, and a job that is not only going to pay well but challenge me in the best ways possible. It's more than I ever could have hoped for. And no, I haven't left dance behind, I'm back to being a part-time instructor at Green Spring Dance Academy teaching one class a week.

When I pull into the driveway of the home Rio and I have been renting, there is a giant smile on my face. How is this really my life? As I walk through the door, I'm greeted with a heavenly aroma that has my mouth watering. I wasn't expecting Rio to cook tonight since we both worked, but there's no way I'm turning down food.

"Whatcha making?" I ask, leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen and taking in just how amazing my man looks in his grey slacks and tan sweater. He's the teacher we all dream about having, that has all the girls and boys drooling over him.

"Lasagna and Caesar salad," he tells me with a toothy grin.

"When did you have time to make all of that?" I question, walking over to him for my welcome home kiss.

"Would you hold it against me if I told you it's all store-bought, and I just had to warm it in the oven?" he asks, then pulls me into his arms and kisses me like he hasn't seen me in days, not hours.

I melt into him, opening my lips eagerly when his tongue licks at the seam requesting entrance. My cock slowly comes to life as we make out in the middle of our kitchen.

"The only thing I'm ever going to hold against you is my body," I tease when we break for air. "How long is the lasagna going to take? Do we have time for a quicky?" I waggle my brows at him, and he chuckles while shaking his head.

"As much as I'd love that there won't be time. My alarm should honestly be going off any second," he tells me, and his phone beeps at that very second.

I huff out a breath and pout. "We could always reheat it later," I suggest but of course, Rio doesn't give in.

"Go sit, I'll bring your plate in a minute."

I sigh but do as I'm told. When I turn around the corner to the nook that houses our kitchen table my mouth drops at the beautiful setting, flowers, and candles.

"Baby, you didn't have to do this," I tell him in awe of just how amazing he is.

"I wanted us to celebrate your first day as a lawyer," he says, placing the plates of food on the table. "I also was hoping we could celebrate one more thing."

"What?" I question. When I turn to face him, I gasp and cover my mouth, tears immediately springing to my eyes as I take him in on one knee.

"I'd like to celebrate us taking the next step in our journey together," he starts. "I knew early on in our dating that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you and I'm hoping you feel the same way too. I don't ever want to live a life that you aren't a part of. You're my everything and I would be honored if you would be my husband."

I'm at a loss for words so I just nod and allow Rio to slide the ring on my finger.

"I love you so much," I whisper once I can somewhat speak again. "I can't wait to marry you."

Rio stands and pulls me in for a passionate, love-filled kiss.

I'm the luckiest man alive right now. I get to spend the rest of my life with a man who loves me more than words can say and who will never treat me the way I was treated in the past. He's my everything and he makes me a better man. I know my mom would be proud and honored to call Rio her son-in-law. And I also know that she would love the man I turned into with the help of the love of my life.

Forever is a long time, but I know it will be amazing with Rio by my side.

The End