Apollo nods approvingly and opens a briefcase next to him, glancing down at the papers inside. “Your brother should be here any minute,” he says, looking back up through reading glasses, eyeing his son.
Ascot shifts in his chair, stiffening up. “Oh, good,” he replies, “I wasn’t sure he got my last message.”
“He did,” Apollo gives him a confident grin. “Not to worry, son.”
I glance up at Ascot as he downs his champagne. “Everything okay?” I whisper.
“Mmm, hum,” he nods, squeezing my hand. “Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know, you seem a little nervous.” I lift my glass and take a sip.
His lips tighten. “I’m fine,” he says, running a hand through his hair.
“If you’re worried about Cad, you should…”
“There you are!” Apollo’s voice booms as Eric walks in, smiling as he turns toward us.
Ascot lets go of my hand, quickly getting to his feet and leans back down. “Be right back,” he whispers in my ear, turning around as he and his brother step into the galley.
What the hell?
A few seconds later Ascot comes out, cheeks slightly flushed, making his way to me. Eric immediately follows with a huge grin on his face and takes a seat next to his father.
Ascot clears his throat, pausing only a step away and then gets down on one knee. “Elise, I can’t begin to explain how happy you’ve made me,” he reaches in his jacket.
Oh.
My.
God.
“Will you do the honor of becoming my wife?” he pulls out a small, black velvet box and opens it, his fingers trembling slightly.
I gasp in disbelief, palming my mouth at the stunning, round diamond, centered on an equally stunning diamond inlaid silver band.
I blink and look up, his deep green eyes practically gleaming with anticipation. Before I know it, I’m nodding eagerly as happy tears fall down my cheeks.
Ascot yanks me into his arms, holding me hard against his chest. “I love you so much,” he whispers in my ear and pulls back, picking up my left hand. “This is forever,” he gazes into my eyes, pushing the ring on my left finger. I glance down, the brilliant diamond catching hues of purples and blues as it sparkles and shimmers in the light.
“Forever,” my breath hitches as I lean closer, gently touching his forehead. He strokes my hair, his breath warm on my face and he gives me a tender kiss.
“Elise Sideris,” he whispers, giving me a sexy grin. “I really like the sound of that.”