I looked into his eyes, seeing the quiet respect that had grown there over the past weeks.

“I am staying here,” I said. “With you.”

“As my wife?” he asked.

“As your partner,” I corrected. “As your equal.”

Roman reached out, his hand cupping my cheek, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.

We stood there together, looking out over the dark, snowy grounds of the estate, ready for whatever came next.