“No. It is perfect.” Grom wound around them, pushing against their legs. Van laughed. “You better greet him, or he will only get worse.”

She bent and took Grom’s big head in her hands. “How are you, Grommy? Did you miss me? I missed you.” She kissed the dog’s nose and got licked in return. “Oh, good. I’ve been slobbered.”

“Grom, nyet.”

“It’s okay.” She straightened and wiped her chin off. “I hope that wasn’t the surprise.”

Van shook his head. “It is better. I promise.” He held up his finger. “Wait right here.”

“Okay.” She clasped her hands in front of her as he went into the kitchen.

He came back holding a large woven basket by the handles. The lid was closed. “Now we go.”

It looked very much like a picnic basket. But it wasn’t exactly picnic weather outside. Still, she didn’t say anything, deciding to let his plan unfold as he intended.

He opened the door. Grom zipped out, skidding to a halt on the porch. She followed, then gave Van the lead so he could take them to wherever they were going.

That turned out to be down the hill in front of the house and through a line of trees. Not the easiest in heels, but on the other side of those trees, the land opened up and flattened out.

The sky was turning the soft purple of twilight, letting the first bright stars peek through. Even though the air was chilly, the evening was beautiful. “This is really pretty.”

“I’m glad you like it.” His eyes narrowed. “You are cold.”

“A little.” She smiled. “I’m sure you can warm me up.”

“I can.”

Within seconds, the air around her lost its chill and turned almost tropical. She shrugged her cardigan off and held it over her arm. “Now that’s more like it.”

He smiled and took her hand. “A little farther.”

A few more yards and they came to a large blanket spread out on the ground. Van set the basket down. “Surprise.”

“A picnic under the stars.” She shook her head in amazement. “You remembered.”

“I did. And I would have done it sooner, but there was much to get ready.” He opened the basket and took out a bottle of champagne and two glasses, setting them carefully on the blanket.

She wondered what he’d had to get ready. Picnics weren’t that complicated, but maybe it was his first one. She dropped her cardigan on the corner of the blanket now that his radiating heat was keeping her warm. “Are we celebrating something?”

“Yes. I got my official release from the League today. Your statement to them did the trick. The rematch has been canceled.” His smile widened. “But even better, they have overturned the decision of the last fight. I have been reinstated as champion. My record remains intact.”

She shrieked and threw her arms into the air. “That is amazing! I had no idea they would do that.”

“Neither did I. And I have you to thank.”

“We are definitely drinking that champagne now.”

He laughed. “Yes. But first, there is one thing I must do.”

“What’s that?”

He pulled out a small velvet box, opened it, then got down on one knee. Inside was an enormous, brilliant orange stone surrounded by tiny diamonds. “Monalisa Devlin, will you marry me? Officially?”

She gasped even as she smiled, her heart almost bursting with joy. “I will. Yes. Happily.”

He stood and took the ring from its case. “I know this is not a diamond, but the color reminds me of you. Bright and fiery. But if you would rather have a diamond, we will get you one of those too.”

“No, I love this. It’s beautiful. You’re right that it’s bright. It practically glows.” She held out her hand. The stone seemed almost lit from within. “What is it?”

He slipped the gleaming gold ring onto her finger. “It is a fire opal.”

She smiled. “Oh, I love that. A fire opal from my dragon. It’s perfect.” She held out her hand. “Did Willa make this? Is that what you had to get ready?”

He nodded. “I wanted something as special as you are, zolotse.”

She slipped her arms around him. “You are an amazing man, you know that?”

He shrugged, eyes twinkling. “I know. And smart too.”

She laughed and shook her head. “I think you forgot humble.”

He grinned. “I have to be smart if I ended up with you.”

She leaned into him. “I feel the same way.”

“Good.” He kissed her, the temperature around them rising a little more as he did. When he finally released her, it felt as though the sun was shining down on them. “I want you always to be happy. Always to know that I love you. Always to feel safe. If there is anything you ever want or need, you tell me.”

She tapped her fingers lazily on his chest. “There is one thing…”

“Anything. Tell me.”

She glanced down at Grom, sitting patiently by Van’s feet. “After we get married, I want a dog of my own.”

“I know just the place.” Van’s arms tightened around her, and he looked down at Grom too. “You hear that? You’re getting a baby sister.”

Grom barked, making them both laugh.

Van popped the champagne, poured two glasses, and handed one to her. “To us and our future.”

She clinked her glass against his. “I can’t wait.”