Page 117 of Royally Matched

“I also hope you like this particular spot in the garden.”

I blink at him in disbelief, my mind leaping to a conclusion. “You did this?”

“For you.”

“Marco, I love it! But how? Our head gardener is rather prickly and would never let you?—”

He stops my words with a kiss. “Let's just say your parents were the ones calling the shots for this evening, not your head gardener.”

“My parents?” I say on a laugh. “They helped you withthis? After the whole riddle extravaganza, I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“It was my idea to make a special area in the garden just for us, and your father liked the idea. I’ve been working on it for several weeks. Your head gardener, Ralph, is a good guy.”

I roll my eyes in good humor. “Of course you and he are friends. You’re amazing. And really, if my parents weren't the king and queen I would suggest they become professional matchmaking fairy godparents.”

“They sure are crafty.”

“Thank you for this,” I say, looking around at the gorgeous setting, bathed in the evening glow. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Anything for you, my love,” he replies. He pulls me to my feet as music fills the air and I recognise the opening bars toSucker. “The Jonas Brothers?” I question.

“I figured we needed a song, and besides, I’m a total sucker for you,” he says as he pulls me against him once more.

I grin up at him, gazing into his eyes, filled with love. “I'm a total sucker for you, too, future husband.”

“I like the sound of that. I told you songs featuring whistling are the best.”

I throw my arms around his neck. “I love whistling songs and I love you. I’m endlessly grateful that no matter how much I fought it to begin with, life has led me to you.”

“Ditto,” he replies with a grin.

“Did you know you’re my unexpected miracle?”

“I guess we're both unexpected miracles in one another’s lives.”

As he presses his lips against mine once more, enveloping me in the most dizzyingly romantic and love-filled kiss, I know that this is where I was always meant tobe, with this incredible man. A man I love with all my heart. A man who will one day be my husband. He was my unexpected path, but a path I will be ever grateful I took, now and always.