Pleasure curled through her chest at the admiration in his gaze. “It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. But it was worth it.”
“Yes, it was.” He smiled at her, tiny lines creasing his mouth. “So, Miss Rosetti, what is it you wished to talk to me about?”
Now that the moment was here, Olivia’s mouth went dry. How did she begin to reveal everything in her heart? Would he welcome her words, or had he become used to life without her? “First, I want to thank you again for coming today. I never imagined you would speak on our behalf.”
Darius laughed. “I never imagined that myself.”
She hesitated, closing her eyes as a wave of uncertainty crashed over her. Was she really going to bare her soul here on the city hall’s side lawn?
“Is there something else?” Darius’s gentle prompt made her eyes open.
His tender expression as he searched her face brought a lump to her throat, giving her the reassurance she needed.
“Yes, there is.” Be brave, Olivia. You can do this. “I’ve done a lot of soul searching since Sofia’s birthday, and something my brother said the other day made me come to a realization.” She squared her shoulders, the soles of her shoes shifting on the grass. “He told me that God wouldn’t want me to live in shame, and that I should be brave enough to claim the happiness He has in store for me.” She paused, the slight fluttering of the leaves overhead seeming to whisper encouragement.
“He’s right.” Darius placed a finger under her chin and gently brought her gaze to meet his. “You deserve the best in life, Olivia. And I’d do anything in my power to give it to you—if you’d only let me.”
She stared into his eyes, so earnest and kind, and swallowed against the rise of tears. “Then I don’t suppose you’d reconsider my earlier proposition?” The breeze blew several strands of hair across her face.
“What proposition is that?”
She placed a hand on his sleeve, needing the physical connection between them. “The personal merger I mentioned once before in your office.”
Darius’s eyes widened. “Olivia Rosetti, are you asking me to marry you?”
She bit her trembling lip and nodded.
Darius’s heart jackhammered against his ribs as he stared into Olivia’s beautiful face, the face he’d missed more than his next breath. A river of joy spread through him, but he took a moment to hold himself in check. Although he longed to simply blurt out his answer, he owed it to them both to be practical. He needed to take into account the fact that his circumstances had changed and he had no way to provide for her at present. “Before I give you my answer,” he said, “there’s something I need to tell you.”
A flicker of uncertainty bloomed in her eyes. “What is it?”
“Now that I’m unemployed, I’ve been considering a pretty drastic career change.” He pushed away from the tree and took one of her hands in his. “I want to do something to serve my community. Perhaps even help prevent the type of violence and hatred that killed Selene.” He paused. “I’m thinking of becoming a police officer. So I need to know if you’d be willing to be a policeman’s wife.” He held his breath, searching her face. His own mother hadn’t taken the news well, making it clear she was not in favor of his decision. Would Olivia feel the same?
Olivia frowned, shadows hugging her features. “I think you’ve got it wrong,” she said slowly. “Would they accept you if I was your wife? A woman with a questionable past who’s been incarcerated?”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” He had no idea if that would prevent his acceptance onto the force, but if it did, he had other options in mind. “If not, I could always apply to the fire department instead.”
Her lips twitched. “You have it all worked out, I see.”
“I do. Either way, I’d be using my life to help others, which is all that matters.” An insect flew by his ear, its buzzing matching the hum of nerves inside him as he awaited her answer.
“Both are admirable careers,” she said carefully. “And although the thought of you being in danger makes me nervous, I think you would make a fine policeman or fireman.” Then her brow furrowed. “What about Sofia, though? Are you sure my background wouldn’t be a detriment to her?”
He held her gaze. Never again would he let her feel unworthy. He tightened his grip on her fingers. “Olivia, you are the kindest, bravest, most loyal person I’ve ever met. Sofia would be lucky to have you in her life.”
Moisture welled in her luminous brown eyes. “Really?”
“Really.” He brought one hand up to caress her cheek. “I love you very much. I have for quite some time now. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife and Sofia’s stepmother?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she held his gaze. “I love you too, Darius. You have no idea how much. And I promise to be the best wife and mother I can be.”
Relief flowed through him like quicksilver. How often had he dreamed of this moment, fearing it might never happen? Yet now by the grace of God, she was finally ready to accept his love. With one hand cupping her face, he lowered his head to kiss her. Her lips were soft and pliant under his. When she reached up to entwine her arms around his neck, heat spread through his system, and his heart seemed to explode in his chest. He wrapped his arms more firmly around her until he felt the answering beat of her heart against his.
Gratitude rose up within him on a prayer. Thank you, Lord. I promise to take care of her
