Page 147 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

“Oh, I can be hands-on in New York. My green card is still valid, and my contacts from working for Budgie are solid.” He smiled confidently. “I know it sounds mad, but in a way, I know the New York building scene even better than London’s. Plus, they love a British accent over there!”

He needs to think about this. Leia pouted and toyed with a button on his jacket. “But you’ll miss Ava and your family.”

“I sure as hell won’t miss Mum.” He snickered. “But as for Ava, that’s what planes and FaceTime are for.” He stroked her cheek. “Leia, you are my life. You’re my priority. I let you go twice before. I’m not doing it again.”

A smirk hitched the corners of her mouth. “Sure, use my own words against me.”

“Well, they’re brilliant words.”

“You actually want to do this? For real?” Leia held her breath and fidgeted, her hand nervously slipping into her pocket.

Tarquin smiled. “Do I tidy up drunk?!”

She laughed tearfully and shimmied on the spot. “I can’t believe you’re coming with me!”

“Believe it. Leia, I want to build a life with you, and I don’t care if that’s here, New York, or on an island in the North Sea with no trees. I’m all in.”

Goose bumps peppered Leia’s skin, but they had nothing to do with the cold. “Thank you.” She looped her arms around his neck, overwhelmed with love.

I’m all in, too—and boy, am I gonna prove it to him tonight.

Leia couldn’t stop smiling. “You know…you’re the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met. You’ve my best friend. You’re my heart.”

He leaned in, gazing into her eyes. “And you’re mine, Leia.”

“I love you.”

Tarquin raised a cheeky brow. “I know.”

I know! Leia squealed and broke out into a sly grin. “Well, it does feel like Planet Hoth out here!”

His jaw dropped. “Ooh! I KNEW it! You have seen The Empire Strikes Back!”

“Yeah, yeah. Doesn’t mean I enjoyed it!”

“We might have to work on that.”

“No. We don’t.” Leia giggled. “But I don’t mind you loving it. In a way, Star Wars brought us together.”

She kissed him softly and swept a finger along his jaw before pulling away, her hands lowering, clasping a handful of dress. Lifting it a few inches above the ground, she shakily kneeled.

Tarquin’s brows pulled in. “Uh, Leia…what are you…”

She clasped his hand. “I know.”

“Sorry?”

Butterflies swooped and swirled in Leia’s belly. “Earlier, Joan said, ‘When you know, you know.’ And I do.” She smiled up at him, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Tarquin Octavius Balfour, will you marry me?”

“Blimey, Leia!” Tarquin squeezed her hand. “Like you have to ask! Yes! Yes! A million times YES!” His smile shone brighter than the Shard at New Year’s.

He wants to marry me! Her heart leapt, giddy with unbridled joy. She let out a delighted giggle. “I have something for you.”

His eyes widened. “Seriously? You bought a ring?!”

“No, but”—she fished the fabric measuring tape from her pocket—“maybe this can do for now?”

“Ah, love it! Resourcefulness, thy name is Leia!”