Eve sat on the bean bag by the dying fire, poking at the embers with a stick, trying to kindle the new logs she had placed on it. She looked up and smiled when she saw Julian heading towards her on the brick path with a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands.

He placed the wine and glasses in the sand and straddled the bag, sitting behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he helped her kindle the flames as he nuzzled her neck, causing her to shiver with pleasure.

Eve leaned back into his arms, dropping the stick as the fire started crackling in the cool air. Placing her head against his shoulder, she watched the fire dance and leap to life as Julian hugged her close, rocking her gently.

“Eve,” he whispered into her hair.

Eve turned slightly, her back still against his chest. Tilting her head back, she looked up at him and smiled deeply when he gently kissed her cheek. “I think you are trying to seduce me again,” she said.

“Is it working?” He grinned against her hair.

“Well, if you try a little harder, it might,” she offered.

Turning her in his arms so her shoulder was against his chest, he lifted a finger and tipped her chin up so he could look into her brown eyes. As his gaze shifted to her lips, he caught his breath when she moved them seductively, deliberately enticing him.

She stared at his lips, and after the evening they had had so far, she was still amazed how much she needed him, wanted him. With the loneliness and pain of being apart from him still haunting her, she wanted to spend every waking moment with him, loving him, enjoying him, vowing never to let him go again.

Julian stared at her lips, full and…he groaned when she licked them. Trying to be a gentleman, he struggled to control himself, though she was making it extremely difficult for him. He raised his eyes to hers and sucked in his breath when he saw the same need and desire reflecting in hers as well.

Eve’s gaze fell on his lips, slowly descending towards her.

His hand reached up and slid into her hair, palming the side of her head, tilting it to give him better access to her mouth.

When his lips settled on hers, Eve almost started to cry as he gently caressed her as if she was a delicate flower. Her body responded willingly when he grazed his tongue against her lips, and then she sighed, content, when he kissed her thoroughly, leaving her clinging to him, weak and trembling, passion and renewed desire coursing through her veins.

After kissing her senseless, Julian broke the kiss and pulled back. “Am I getting any warmer?” he murmured into her ear.

“Hmm, yes, and so is that wine.” She smiled.

“You taste better than any fine wine.” He nuzzled her throat.

Eve smiled, leaning her head back and enjoying his roaming lips, while looking up at the clear sky.

“I can always get more if it gets warm,” he whispered, not wanting to give up his exploring.

Eve laughed.

Julian looked up and smiled. “Well, since it is here anyway, we might as well enjoy it,” he stated as he reached for the glasses.

Eve turned and stirred the fire again, while Julian poured them some wine.

“I don’t want too much, Julian, just a little,” she said.

He smiled and poured her glass half full, and then poured himself one. He placed the bottle back in the sand and picked up both glasses, putting one arm around her as he handed her the glass.

Eve took it from him, eyeing the clear liquid. She tilted it up to her lips and then lowered it curiously when it clinked. Holding the glass up for closer inspection, Eve gasped when she saw a beautiful diamond ring glittering back at her from the bottom of her wine glass.

“Julian,” she breathed, her heart pounding in excitement.

He chuckled as he got off the bean bag and settled down on one knee, turning her to face him. Taking her glass, he placed it to his lips and drained the wine, sliding the ring into his mouth.

She watched him, mesmerized as he brought the ring to his lips and then swept his tongue over it. Eve’s eyes widened as she watched, completely taken in.

“Not to go against tradition, I thought that we should do this…right.” He grinned at her.

She reached out and touched his cheek. “The first time was perfect,” she whispered.

He smiled, a tear escaping his eye. “You are such a beautiful woman, Eve. I want everything to be perfect for you. This…” He held up the ring for her to see, “This, as beautiful as it is, as brilliant as it shines, doesn’t hold a candle to you, my love.” His eyes shone with love.

“Oh, Julian.” Her voice quivered with emotion.

He took her left hand in his and looked up into her eyes. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife, my partner, my lover?”

Eve spread her fingers in delight, her hands shaking as she stared at the huge round diamond, sparkling brilliantly in the flames.

Looking up into his gorgeous eyes, so full of love and anticipation, she smiled deeply, tears shining in her eyes as she moved her lips and said, “Yes.”

He slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. “My sweet Eve,” he breathed huskily against her lips.

A few moments later, after they had thoroughly examined the 5 carat diamond, Julian reached over and poured them some more wine. Handing Eve her glass, he held up his to toast her.

Sipping, he looked at her curiously when she hardly touched her wine. “What’s the matter? Don’t you like it? I can get something else,” he said, getting up.

“Julian…” She reached up and pulled him back down. “Don’t.”

Concerned, he dropped to his knees and looked into her face. “What is it?”

“I can’t.” She looked at him.

“Why not, are you sick?” he asked, getting worried.

“No, I’m pregnant,” she announced.