The Lost Ones. Anita Frank

in the world than to marry you, to have you as my wife and spend the rest of my days with you. I love you, Stella.’

      I swallowed back the sob that threatened to undo me. I forced myself to be brave.

      ‘So, what is this, then?’ I asked, holding out the locket box.

      He smiled, reassured by my attempted return to form. His finger tapped the end of my nose. ‘You’re being slightly petulant.’ He lifted out the locket and stepped behind me, dangling it before my chest. His fingers rested against the back of my neck as he struggled with the clasp. ‘This is a symbol of my intent, Stella Marcham.’ I gasped as his lips pressed against the sensitive skin just below my hairline. Firm hands on my shoulders turned me round. He pulled me close until our bodies touched, his face just inches from mine. ‘I intend to come back to you, I intend to marry you, I intend to spend the rest of my life with you.’ He came even closer. ‘I intend to make you a very happy woman.’

      He kissed me then. I melted into his touch. My fingers threaded into the hair at the back of his head, drawing him ever closer to me. When we broke apart, I smiled with deliciously swollen lips.

      ‘I like your intent,’ I whispered. ‘I accept your intent – and I’ll match your intent, every step of the way.’