Jude’s pants start to bulge, and he repositions himself. “That it was. You might have to start visiting me in my office.”
I nod. “That can be arranged.” We both laugh and I stare out at the stars. “Thank you for letting me stay here. It’s a lot better than the apartment. I just wish I knew what kind of house I wanted.”
Jude rubs a hand down my arm. “You could always stay here… permanently.”
My heart races. “What do you mean?” I’ve been waiting for him to bring up the subject. I just didn’t want to be the one to do it since it’s his house I’ve been living in.
He takes a deep breath and kneels down in front of me. “I mean that you could stay, and we can see what happens. There was a time when we both wanted the same things in life. Now that I have you, I don’t want to waste any time.”
“Waste any time with what?” I ask, murmuring the words. I want to hear him say it.
He holds my hand in his. “I don’t have much, but I can offer you this.” He kisses my hand. “I love you and I will always love you. I may not have a fancy house or a fancy car, but I will do everything I can to make you happy.”
“You already do.”
“Does that mean you’ll stay? That, when you’re ready you might consider taking the next step with me?”
It’s my turn to grin slyly. “What next step?”
He narrows his eyes at me. “You love making this difficult, don’t you?” I waggle my brows and he chuckles. “Okay, fine. One day I want you to be my wife and have those three kids you’ve always wanted.”
I slide my hand away from his and cup his face. “I would love nothing more than that. Whenever you’re ready, I will be too.”
He leans up and kisses me. “You shouldn’t have said that. I’m ready now.”
So am I.
THE END