“That makes sense,” Cassie said.
“Also, I want to talk to Miles and maybe legal.This whole thing with my father might blow back on the company with them hiring me, and I don’t want that to happen.”I hoped it didn’t, but lord only knew what my father, or his lawyers, might try.FI didn’t deserve to be dragged through the mud.
“Let him fucking try,” Lucas commented.
“Lucas is right.Our legal team will destroy him,” Marcus said.
I relaxed and took a deep breath before I looked at Lucas.“Thank you for rejecting my sister.”His actions reinforced my feelings for him.
“Why wouldn’t I?”Lucas cupped my face.“It’s you I love, Valerie.”
I froze.“You love me?”Oh, hell, how had I not seen that?
“Of course, I do.I’m sorry I didn’t make that clearer earlier.I should have.”
“But…” My brain scrambled.“Your sister and your responsibility to her… I know I didn’t say it right before, but I don’t want you to feel guilty about dividing your attentions.”While I understood it now, I wanted to make sure he understood my feelings.
“I won’t.Mindy and I had a long talk.My sister is a grown woman.She’ll be out of medical school shortly and starting a whole new chapter in her life.One where she doesn’t need her big brother as much.”
Happiness filled me.“But you will be there if she does need you?”
“If she asks, yes, we’ll be there for her.”
The ‘we’ll’ filled my heart with joy.
“About time,” Marcus muttered.
Lucas grinned, and I laughed.
“What I don’t get is why Kendall thought Lucas was available?”Cassie’s question was a valid one.
“My sister has always zeroed in on any man I was interested in.”I was going to get this out once and for all.“She saw Lucas as another man she could take from me and, in the process, hurt me.”
“Bitch,” Emma said.
“Very much so.But Lucas wouldn’t bite.”It was time for me to throw my fears away.I cupped Lucas’ cheek.“I love you, Lucas.And I trust you now and forever.”
His eyes blazed at my declaration.
“Bravo.”Our friends clapped as Lucas pulled me into his arms, or the best he could with us sitting at a table in public.It didn’t stop him from kissing me, long and hard.
“Does this mean you’re coming to work with me?”Lucas asked when he lifted his head.
“Once everything is settled.Yes.”
“Then…” Lucas released me, stood, and pushed back his chair before going on his knees.
Oh my God!My mouth dropped open as my breath caught in my throat.
“Valerie, we confessed our love, but there is something I want to make clear.I will never betray you like I did before.I love you and only you.And when you’re ready, we’ll discuss you moving in with me and eventually marriage.”
Tears filled my eyes.Lucas was on his knees in front of me.Promising me everything.“Oh, get up,” I said, laughter in my voice.He stood and pulled me up into his arms.
“Take a chance on me?On us?”
“I love you.Of course, I’m taking a chance on you and us.There’s nothing more I want in life than you.”
He took my mouth with his.My arms wound around his neck.I belonged in Lucas’ arms and he in my life.
