Her nose twitches. “You want to get married now?”
“I’d do it today, but it takes three days to get a licence.”
Her shoulders shake as she laughs. “You’re insane.”
“Maybe, but I’m all yours. I really didn’t expect you to laugh at my proposal.”
She lets out a sigh. “I thought we were taking some time out.”
I nod. “We were. But my woman needs me, and I’m right here ready to be taken advantage of.”
Emma snorts, and a groan comes from the doorway behind us.
I cock my head. “You do know that there are three children and a much older eavesdropper right next door, don’t you?”
Her brows knit. “I didn’t want them to hear Dad.”
“I think that ship has long since sailed. They came to talk to me about everything.”
Swiping her tears away with my index finger, I study her for a moment and then pull her into my arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispers.
“Whatever we decide, we do it together. I know you’re not ready for this, but I think we have to do whatever it takes to protect all of you. As low as his chances are for winning any court case, this house and everything you have is your children’s legacy, and the least that bastard of a late husband of yours owes you and them.”
She nods. “I know.”
“What do you say?”
A smile spreads across her lips. “You really want to do this? You’re not just asking me because I need help?”
“I’m asking you because I love you. Everything else is a bonus.” I run my thumb along her bottom lip, and her breath hitches. She’s so scared, but I’ll be patient and we’ll find our way back to each other—I’m sure of that. “I know you want space. And I don’t know how that will work, but we’ll make it work.”
“Thank you.”
“You know his threats are empty, don’t you?”
Her nod is slight. “Maybe. But if I have to defend myself in court, it’ll all cost money, and …”
“I’ll talk to my lawyer and work out what we need to do. Whatever it is, you won’t have to worry about it.”
“Are you sure?”
I hold her close and kiss her forehead. “I’d move heaven and earth for you and those kids. How about I give Sean a call? He’s my best friend and a lawyer with a firm in town. And then we’ll have dinner together.”
Emma’s smile is worth everything. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll make that call while you check on the kids. Bailey was out front when I got here.”
She sighs. “I’m sure Dad called in now to try and lay eyes on them. But apart from school, they’re still wary of people.”
“That’s not a bad thing while this is going on.”
With a nod, she steps back. “I agree.”
I give her hand a squeeze before she heads out of the living room to find the kids. Taking a deep breath, I make my way out to the deck.
Smiling at my handiwork, I sit at the picnic table by the back door and pull out my phone.
