False Pretences Page 15

  She stole a glance at Alex, who looked upon her with pride and devotion. When she’d first encountered him weeks ago, she’d never dreamt that he would actually be her soul-mate. Now, as she focused on her speech, she felt like her life was finally complete.

  “Thank you again and enjoy the festivities!” She finally said, after her silence.

  The guests applauded and cheered as she stepped away from the podium. As she descended the stairs, Alex stood at the bottom, waiting for her. When she finally reached him, he took her hand and kissed it lovingly.

  “That was a beautiful speech, darling!” he murmured, pulling her close as they walked through the crowd together. “I feel honored that you would include me in it.”

  “Everything I said was true, Alex.” She replied earnestly as he led her to the edge of the crowd. “I really do love you!”

  “And I love you too, Lara!” Alex replied, brushing a stray tendril of hair away from her forehead as he kissed it. “I also have some excellent news to share with you. Do you remember that manuscript I sent to Venessa?”

  “You’re getting published?”

  “Yes, Harper Collins is publishing it.” He exclaimed excitedly, his face lighting up “They are expecting it to be a best seller in no time! They signed me on for a couple more books as well in hopes that I can make a series out of it.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Alex!” Lara exclaimed, hugging him. “Congratulations! Your dreams have finally come true!”

  “That’s not entirely true, you know!” he said, matter-of-factly, momentarily confusing her.

  “What do you mean?” Lara asked, her eyes widening incredulously.

  “My dreams came true the moment we collided in the bookstore.” He revealed, his eyes filling with tears. “I knew I’d eventually be published…but I didn’t know that I would find the girl of my dreams. You mean everything to me, Lara…I never want to let you go. You are the best thing to happen to me and I don’t ever want to lose you.”

  Lara’s eyes began to fill with tears as he reached into his pocket and produced a small velvet box. As he got down on one knee, all thoughts escaped her.

  “Lara Clayton, will you do me the honor…and pleasure…of being my wife?” he asked earnestly, looking deeply into her eyes as he opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond solitaire.

  Lara looked upon Alex in shock, but quickly recovered. She wanted this just as much as he did. She knew that there would be nobody else but Alex for her. He was hers and hers alone.

  “Yes, Alex.” She said, sighing happily. “I want to marry you!”

  Alex slipped the ring on Lara’s finger, his eyes sparkling with mirth in the torchlight.

  “You’ve just made me a very happy man!” he exclaimed, before kissing her.

  “Shall we tell Venessa the good news?” Lara joked, winking at him. Alex simply smiled, knowing that she was kidding.

  “How about we just tell the world?” Alex suggested, noticing the flashbulbs going off. “After all, I think the paparazzi just beat us to it!”

  With that, they shared a laugh and headed towards the photographers.