Asche looked like a full course meal. His hair was slicked back with stray strands escaping on his forehead. He wore a pair of khaki chino trousers, a navy blue dress shirt that was folded to his elbow, with tan loafers and a matching belt. In my eyes, he was a dime in a dozen as he sat in front of me, sipping a ball glass of sparkling water.

Asche always settled for wine. That's his favorite. I guess he's keeping on the subtle side tonight.

I stared at him from across the table, taking his hand in mine.

The ocean breeze stirred his hair a little. Soft, Latin music played in the background as we sat at a beachside restaurant, that hovered over the water, stretching over a long pier.

The view was spectacular as the full moon loomed above us, sitting just above the line that connected the midnight sky and the darkened sea.

Asche's gaze was tentative, he barely held my gaze without blushing and averting his eyes. If I weren't already intimate with him, I'd assume he was a virgin.

"You look ravishing tonight," I said, my eyes lingering on his alluring features.

"Thanks. You told me that over three times already," He chuckled, sporting another blush.

"I'll never get tired of telling you how much I find you fascinating. My lovely mate," I stroked his finger with my thumb.

"I find you lovely too." He gazed at me through his lashes. "I like it out here. It's so peaceful. The ocean breeze feels so calming on my skin." His eyes drifted into the direction of the moon.

I followed his gaze and concurred, "It is truly a soothing atmosphere. "That is why I chose it. I'm glad you find it to your liking." I gently squeezed his hand.

"Thank you for taking me out here. I needed a breath of fresh air. This is amazing. The food was amazing."

We ate dinner and finished our dessert earlier. Asche settled for sparkling water and I sipped my wine. I waited for this moment for so long. The tiny box in my pocket felt heavy. In that box, nestled comfortably was a diamond wedding ring that I thought Asche would love.

Tonight, I'm going to ask him for his hand in marriage. A part of me was afraid that he may reject me, but the other part was excited, keeping positive that Asche will accept.

It's been several months since I bought the ring, measuring Asche's finger in secret one night when he fell asleep in my arms. I bought the house already, all that's left is to marry him and tie the knot.

We've already mated. Our dragons were bonded so why not marry? The important question is would he be willing? Does he want to be with me forever? Until the end of time? I bit my lip as I pondered these things.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked.

I stood up, offering my hand to him, "Walk with me?"

He got up slowly, circling around the table and taking it without question.

We walked hand in hand down the pier where a few couples were enjoying the scenery.

He laid his head on my shoulder. "I can't believe over a year ago I stopped selling my body. It's so surreal. I feel no regrets now. I'm actually glad you found me. I think if you didn't, I'd be walking down a destructive path. Thank you, for believing in me and never giving up on me. I love you for that."

I stopped and kissed his hair, taken by surprise by his confession. "I knew you were the one for me. No rain, hail, hurricane, or thunderstorm would have prevented me from pursuing you. You are the one for me." I slid my hand around his waist and we walked at the edge of the pier that was barricaded by a rail.

We stared at the moon in silence, just soaking in the cool breeze and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. At that moment, we were at peace. Asche relaxed in my arms as I took him and placed him in front of me as we stared ahead.

He held on the rail, sighing.

"My life feels complete now," He said, tentatively placing his hands over mine as I wrapped my arms around his stomach.

I kissed his temple, I inhaling the coconut scent in his hair. Delicious. "Mine too. I love you so much, my mate, my heart. You've given me all I could ever ask for, even when you were afraid to."

His eyes fluttered closed and he leaned into me with elation. "I've come so far. I can now say that I feel free. Like the shackles were removed from my feet and hands. You healed me, Drakos, and having our daughter made me realize that there's more to life. Having you both is a blessing."

"Your beating heart alone is a blessing. Your existence is a blessing Asche. I thought...I thought I was unfruitful. Incapable of having a child. But you came and...and gave me a miracle. But I love you because you're you, not only because you gave me a child. I was enamored by you from the first time I set my eyes on you. You were a beacon to me and I was unable to stay away. Oh, how I love you so." I held him tighter, feeling an explosion of emotions I couldn't describe.

"I have something to tell you." He said, unlacing our hands and turning to face me. The stars reflected in his eyes as he stared at me.

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" I asked, cupping his cheek.

He licked his lips, and I noticed his chest started heaving faster.

"Breathe, baby," I told him gently.

What did he have to tell me that has him almost hyperventilating? I swallowed down the fear that crept up my throat when I envisioned him spurning my proposal.

This has nothing to do with that. Get your mind right, Drakos.

Zyros opened his eyes, raising his head and staring through my mind's eye.

Hmm...He said.

What is it? I asked.

It is nothing. He lowered his head and stared at Asche in silence.

By this time Asche was rummaging in his pocket. My heart hammered threateningly in my chest. My hands were literally shaking as I slid it down his arm. When he withdrew his other hand from his pocket, my eyes flew open in shock.

He held a slim stick in his hands, as tears welled up in his eyes. "Zyaire's going to be a big sister."

My heart felt like it stopped, time felt like it stopped as I stared at my mate with eyes overflowing with love.

"Y-You're pregnant?" I asked in disbelief, my throat tightening with emotion.

"Yes," He nodded his head. "I'm carrying your child."

Zyros roared inside of me causing me to clamp down my lips tightly to smother the sound from escaping.

"Oh, Asche..." I took him in my arms in a loving embrace as my eyes filled with happy tears. "I love you endlessly, I could scream it to the heavens with glorious rapture!"

"I love you too," His voice was muffled in my chest as he slid his arms around me.

I drew him back and claimed his lips in a kiss that was driven by the outpour of my heart and feelings. My mate is pregnant! We're going to have a baby! The gods have blessed me once more!

How glorious it is to be alive right now!

I picked him up and spun him, causing him to laugh, placing his forehead on mine.

"I want you to be forever mine," I whispered, kissing him.

"I'm all yours," He smiled in the kiss, pecking me back.

It is time. Zyros said, witnessing the moment with gratification.

I nodded mentally and placed Asche on his feet, lowering on one knee as I pulled the box from my trouser pocket with trembling hands.

Asche covered his mouth, looking down at me in shock as I opened the tiny box, revealing a dazzling diamond ring.

"Asche, you are the reason why I smile, why I breathe, and why I exist at this moment. Life is like a beautiful dream when I'm with you. You carried our love inside of you, our beautiful miracle and if you'd have me, I want us both to raise our future generations together, fully bonded. Will you marry me?"

A sob escaped his lips. My heart stuttered in my chest as I witnessed him shed tears, a waterway of emotions running down his face. Was he unhappy about it or overwhelmed? Should I have tried a more secluded setting? Why is my mate crying?

He's happy, you fool. Zyros said, spreading his wings and throwing his head back.

Happy?

"Yes," He shook his head, with tears streaming down his face. "I love you, Drakos. Of course, I'll marry you."

I released a breath and plucked the ring out of the box, setting it down, and taking Asche's finger and sliding it on. It fit perfectly, glimmering in the moonlight.

He pulled me up and crashed his lips to mine just as there were cheers in the background. I did not realize that we had an audience.

I kissed Asche back fervently, feeling tears escape my eyes.

He said yes and plus we were having another child.

Finally, the last puzzle pieces were coming together. I cried tears of joy knowing that I was complete.

***

~