Finally, he said, “You love me?”
She straightened. “Yes.” She smiled ruefully. “I spent the past three months trying to return to real life and this morning you popped into my head and I knew no matter what I said or what I did or how we’d come together, I loved you.”
Standing by his mother’s desk, he looked down and traced a finger on the edge.
The silent room did nothing to ease Tory’s nerves and she wondered why she was standing there. What was she waiting for? For him to tell her that he loved her? She’d ruined that. He’d told her he loved her and she ignored him. He wouldn’t be so foolish as to still love her after that. It was time to go.
She headed for the door. “I’ll leave now. I just wanted you to know that I was sorry.” She paused, faced him again. “And to know that I loved you.”
With a quick pivot, she resumed her walk to the door.
“Stop.”
She hesitated then turned.
He sighed and glanced around the semidark room, made darker by the brown leather furniture and heavy cherrywood desk and chair. “Our timing sucks.”
Her heart about beating out of her chest, she forced herself to stay quiet, fearful that she’d push him into saying something he didn’t want to say.
He walked toward her and impatience overtook her. She took the few steps to meet him in the middle. When they were close enough, he took her hands. “I love you. I’ve loved you since you introduced me to walkers, got the kids to sleep all night and looked at me as if I was the best-looking guy you’d ever seen.”
She laughed, but her throat also closed. Their romance had never been about hearts and flowers. It had been about babies and breakfast, getting up at night for each other, and an earthy attraction that caused them both to fumble.
“I like the fact that you made me feel normal.”
“You’re not normal.” He tugged on her hands to bring her close. “You’re beautiful.”
She laughed.
“Oh, you laugh. You tormented me for months and now you won’t let me be romantic?”
Her heart burst with love. “Go ahead. Be romantic.”
“Okay.” His voice dropped to a mere whisper. “You’re beautiful and strong. Breathtakingly sexy and alluring.” He moved his hands from her wrists up her arms and then down her back. “And I can’t wait to get you into bed.”
She laughed. “That’s not romantic.”
“The hell it isn’t.”
He kissed her then and finally, finally, she didn’t have to fear. No guilt assaulted her. All she felt was pleasure…and joy…and happiness so strong she thought she’d burst from it.
When they finally pulled back, she plucked at his tie. “So, do you think I can have my old room back?”
“You want to be my nanny?”
“I want to be the babies’ mom.”
“Well, that means you have to sleep with the babies’ dad and you’re definitely not going to be his employee.” He tightened his hold on her waist. “I have a better idea.”
She peeked up at him. “You do?”
“Yeah, I think we should date.”
She laughed. “Date?”
“You know, you and me, movie, popcorn. A dinner out here and there. Romantic weekends at bed and breakfasts.” He nuzzled into her neck. “Maybe a trip to the Virgin Islands every winter.”
The touch of his lips sent a shiver through her. “Just exactly how long do you think we’re going to date?”
“Forever.”
She nudged his shoulders and forced him to look at her. “Oh, no, you don’t. You’re making an honest woman of me.”
“Well, I was thinking we could even date after we got married. We were sort of cheated, you and I. So why not enjoy it?”
Why not indeed?
“So what’s first?”
He slid his arm around her waist. “I was thinking iced tea on the patio behind the cottage. Maybe a movie tonight.” He opened the door and led her up the hall toward the foyer, where Gwen stood wringing her hands. “Some popcorn. A little time with the kids. And then I’ll drive you home and kiss you senseless in the car outside your parents’ house.”
She laughed.
Gwen said, “So?”
“So, we’re happy.”
Tory smiled. “We’re happy.”
Gwen sighed with relief. “Oh, thank God. I’ve got an entire staff gathered in the kitchen worrying. If you’d come out crying,” she said, pointing at Tory. “Or you’d come out angry,” she added, pointing at Chance. “I never would have had this house ready for Sunday’s barbeque.”