"Or you could let him choose his own clothes like most full-grown men do," I reply, amused.
"If you want me to tell you where to be, we're doing this my way," she retorts. Her eyes are glistening with tears despite the fiery response.
Out of principal and for her brother's sake, I should probably object. But she's about to cry, and I've never been able to stand it when she does.
"Okay, Katya," I whisper and cup her soft cheeks with my hands. "We can do it your way. You've got plenty of time to think things over, too. I'll wait as long as it takes."
"I don't need to. Sawyer …" She stops, her voice trembling. "I would be really … honored to marry you. I know I want to be yours forever. I already own you, so we might as well make it official."
I laugh. I can hear and see her emotion. Despite her attempt at a joke, her declaration pierces through me, the same way her passion does, and my throat tightens. She's trembling, and I hug her to me tightly.
"You have a family now," she adds so quietly, I barely hear her.
"I know." It's an overwhelming thought. Holding her, being with her, feels so right. So perfect, natural and peaceful.
We hold one another in the serene setting, the tender moment as intimate as making love to her. When she's calmed, she eases away and wipes her face free of tears. Her features are lit up for a different reason this time, one that pulls a smile from me.
She's happy. I've never seen her like this, and I love it. Taking my hand, she tugs me towards the house. If the spark in her eyes is any indication, she's plotting.
"I think my father is going to want a word with you," she says, amused. "And then Petr. And while you're being interrogated, I'm going to wake up Riley and Carson and let them know I will hunt them down if they let anything happen to you overseas."
I chuckle.
"Then we're going to my room, because you promised to make love to me until we can't walk." She glances at me with a grin. "Think you can hang with me?" The challenge is in her gaze again, along with hunger.
"Absolutely. Why don't we start there?" I reply casually. I stop walking and pull her into my arms. "Sound like a better plan?"
She nods, and I lower my head to hers, capturing her lips for a deep kiss. She melts into me. I steady her.
After a lifetime of dedicated solitude, I'm humbled by the knowledge that I somehow managed to find the woman in my arms.