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"Never And I don't care that you want to run away froet you back You're not leaving me, Ruby"

"What do you ether I live in New Zealand, and you, you live here, in this type of lifestyle"

"And you're telling me you don't want this lifestyle? You don't want me in your life?"

"No That's not want I mean Oh, I don't know"

"Aye, you do know, Ruby" He cupped her face again "Do you love me, Ruby?"

Ruby looked up at him and nodded "Yes Yes, I do I love you so much, it hurts And that's why I had to leave I don't want to get hurt"

"Ruby, I will never ever hurt you again I want you in my life Please come back to me?"

"What would I be to you then? If I were to come back?"

"You would be ainst her sensitive cheek "And more importantly, you will become my wife"

Ruby stared at him, utterly shocked "What?"

"That's if you want to Though I'd prefer it sooner rather than later What do you think? Before or after Brian and Susan's wedding?"

"Alec!"

"You're only allowed one answer, Ruby Aye or aye?"

"What kind of choice is that?"

"The choice I' you Now then, aye or aye?"

"Nay"

Alec narrowed his eyes "That's not an option"

Ruby raised her eyebrows at hi her to marry him She was practically floored

Alec moved his head toward her and kissed her passionately Ruby wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back

Suddenly, the door opened

"Holy shit!" Alex cursed

Alec pulled back to see Alex and Jayden at the door while Ruby blushed intensely

"Oh , what have you done to my friend?"

"It's a long story," Alec replied "But I'll keep it short Ruby has consented to be my wife after all"

"What?" Ruby shouted

"When?" Alex asked, confused

"That's good news," Jayden said

EPILOGUE

With the new queen-sized bed made up, Ruby stepped back to survey her handiwork

"I think that's the last of it," Mrs McKenzie said

Ruby nodded, grinning She couldn't wait for her faement party Then, soon after that, her friends Alex and Jayden, and later, Nikita and Isabella

"Thank you, Mrs McKenzie," Ruby said to the older woman

"Yer welcome, Miss Ruby," Mrs McKenzie said "Yer family now so don't hesitate ta ask fer anythin'"

Ruby bit her lip She couldn't believe it Soon she'd be Mrs Alec Hasting The thought sent a thrill throughout her body

Mrs McKenzie left then, and Ruby went to draw the curtains closed

Alec, however, decided to barge through the door at that moment

"What's this, missy?" he demanded, his hands on his hips "Didn't I tell you that you wouldn't be staying in this room?"

Ruby glanced over her shoulder at her fiance She hid a grin, knowing all too well that she'd get hi that she intended to stay in her old room, the room he first locked her in when she was his captive

"You certainly did, sir," she replied sweetly "But surely, you understand my family, more specifically, my mum, would die of shock if I were to share a room with you e're not yet even wedded"

Alec frowned darkly at that Bloody hell, he tean hesitantly, "they're not here yet"

"What are you i?" she asked, her eyebrows raised curiously

Alec knew she wanted him to say it out loud Daht--all to himself

He cleared his throat "What I', ht There's a stor--"

She cut him off "I'm sure I will be fine, Alec I have Westies with me"

"That blasted dog?"

Ruby turned to him "Alec!"

"Ruby, sweetheart," Alec began, trying to find a way to reason with her God, he wanted her with hiement party, he wouldn't have any time with her at all, not until everyone left, and that was another week away It was far too long for him to handle

"Yes, Alec?" she asked,toward him

He pulled her into his arms, his face very close to hers "If you won't come with me to the master bedroom, then I'll stay here with you, to keep you company, of course"

Ruby grinned "You don't have to do that"

"I've already made up my mind," he muttered

Rubyto kiss her She needed to clear her head If he kissed her, she wouldn't be able to think, or let hiht

She lasses and a bottle of chane