*Josie''s POV **.


    I grip my wrist to help the nausea pass and warm air touches my skin. I take in our surroundings and my jaw drops at what I see. It''s dark here, and the city beneath us is lit up with a stunning disy of Christmas lights. Usually, I''m opposed to Christmas decorations in November but this gets a free pass because... wow.


    "Where are we?" I ask in awe.


    “Dubai, I have a friend here that''s pulled some strings for us," he smiles down at me and then turns me towards a lone dining table that''s been set up on the rooftop. The table is draped in white linen with a candle that flickers in the middle. There are two ce settings set out and a single red rose lies across one of the settings. Warm lights hand from a wooden perg above the table and soft music ys from somewhere nearby.


    "This is beautiful," I say, my eyes welling with tears. I''ve never seen anything so romantic and thoughtful. "Not as beautiful as you," he breathes. He guides me to the table and pulls out my chair for me. I take a seat and watch as he moves around to take the seat opposite me. He nces behind me and gives a small nod before his eyes move to me with a smile. A walter, dressed in a shirt and tie appears at our table and hands us both a menu. "Good evening. Could I get you some drinks?” the waiter asks with a friendly smile. I order one of the fancy mocktails from the menu and Deacon orders a ss of red wine. The waiter leaves to prepare our drinks whilst we study the menu.


    I don''t even understand what half of this is," I admit quietly, feeling a little out of my depth. "Neither do I. Iwas hoping you''d help me," heughs and I feel a little


    more at ease.


    We decide to skip the starters and both y it safe with a Wagyu sirloin steak and various sides to share. The food is delicious and when Deacon sees how much I enjoy the mac and cheese side he gives me his portion too. Which I shamefully eat like it''s myst meal. Deacon watches me in amusement and I get a little embarrassed, but it is the most delicious thing I think I''ve ever tasted and I can''t stop shovelling the gooey cheesy pasta into my mouth. For dessert, I have ice cream and D has a fruit sd topped with cream. We order another drink and move to the roof edge to take in the views. Deacon stands behind me, with his arms around my waist when the waiteres over and offers to take a picture of us. I''m about to decline when Deacon pulls a phone from his pocket and hands it to the waiter. I dont know why but having a picture taken with him makes this all feel much more real. I also realise I have no pictures of my other bonds and I hate that. I need pictures with them all as soon as I''m back with them. I can already imagine Mason''s scowl at the suggestion and I giggle at the thought. I wonder if our little bean will have its father''s scowl.


    "Are you ready for your gift?" Deacon asks pulling me from my thoughts.


    "I thought this was the gift," I gesture to the dress and our surroundings and D shakes his head with an amused smile.


    "I wanted to incorporate some human custom to honour how you were raised. I know bonding is very different but I wanted to mark the asion with something simr. That''s why I needed Freya''s input. I discussed this with all


    your bonds and we chose the design together," Deacon says and pulls a small ring box from his pocket. He turns it to face me and opens the lid to reveal a gold band engraved with an EKG pulse line.


    "Oh my god, it''s beautiful, and so thoughtful," I gasp, and damn these pregnancy hormones because my eyes are filling with tears again.


    5 more being made to match it so we will all have the same," he smiles and takes it from the box. "Freya


    said it''s a promise ring and it must go on this finger," he adds taking my left hand and sliding the ring onto my ring finger. Who knew Freya was a romantic? Not me!


    "Thank you, it''s perfect," I beam.


    "I''m sorry the rest of your bonds can''t be here with us but promise I will get you back to them. If it is thest thing I ever do, I will reunite our bond group," he deres and I feel his determination.


    "I know you v will," I smile and push up to my tiptoes to kiss him, he leans down, meeting me halfway and takes my lips in a spine-tingling kiss.


    "Do you want to stay here a little longer or are you ready to go back?" he asks breathlessly. I take onest look at the beautiful sights surrounding us and then my eyesnd on the most stunning sight here. Deacon.


    "Take me back," I say, hoping he feels my desire through our connection. His eyes darken in response and I feel a pulse of desire return from him.


    "Give me a minute," he smirks. He leaves me alone for a moment to go and thank the waiter and then he returns. to me, wrapping an arm around me before porting us out. I''m surprised when we dont arrive back at the bed and breakfast but at what appears to be a cosy little cottage.


    "Where are we?" I ask once the nausea passes.


    "Our temporary home," he smiles. "Don''t worry, we will go back for Freya and our belongings tomorrow, but 1 have one more surprise for you, and we need privacy


    for it,


    "Sounds perfect," I purr and I let him lead me to a softly lit bedroom.


    N.O Darling Author


    A "photo" from their date will be posted on my F.B. Search No