With gentle fingers, she caressed his bearded cheek.
“I have loved you most of my life. Somewhere along the way, I realized I’d fallen in love with you, but I refused to act on it. For me, love meant the pain of loss. I vowed I would never allow myself to experience that grief again, so I’ve been playing things safe with you.”
Her gaze stilled on his while the air between them hummed.
“I’m done playing it safe. This pretend marriage is the best thing we’ve ever done. I love starting and ending each day with you. I love making you happy. Being around you has always been one of my absolute favorite things. Being in love with you, and admitting that, is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Her smile urged him onward and filled him with hope.
“I need you in my life in every conceivable way. I’m terrified of loving you and losing you, but I’m not letting fear stop me. You are it, Carly girl. You’ve always been it and I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure you stay safe. If something happened to you…” He shuddered in a breath. “I couldn’t go on.”
Tears blurred her vision. “Oh, Ash.”
When he patted his thigh, she moved to his lap. A kaleidoscope of emotions beamed from her eyes.
“When I was in the hospital, all I could think about was coming home to you.” He kissed her cheek. “Seeing you with those two men lit a fire in me. Then, when we finally got together, I knew I had to make you mine. Because I knew I was already yours. I asked you to be my girlfriend in middle school and I’m still waiting for your answer.”
As she stared at her hands, folded in her lap, a single tear rolled down her cheek. A moment passed before she lifted her face, their eyes locking gazes. “What is love to you?”
He drank in her beauty and uttered the truth. “I’m looking right at it.”
Her expression softened, the smile shining in her eyes. Threading her arms around his neck, she kissed him. “If you can push past your fear, then so can I.” She married her lips to his and kissed him again. “I’ve been in love with you for years. You stole my heart a long time ago and now it’s yours to keep.” Her smile overflowed with happiness. “I love you so much, Ash.”
After twenty-five years, Ashton Hott had finally won over the girl of his dreams.
2 2
C O NNE C T I NG T H E D O T S
C arly floated on a cloud, rejoicing in Ash’s love. Their picnic had been more about kissing than eating. They admired the beauty in each other over nature’s colorful vista. When finished, he lifted her to her feet and drew her into his arms. “Let’s go home.”
Home. That simple word elicited another smile.
His kiss melted her, his embrace made her feel safe and deeply loved. I am his. And he’s mine. Hand in hand, they thanked Kevin and left.
On the drive back, Sinclair called. Ashton hit the speaker. “Hey, brother. What’s happening?”
“Greta said you and the Mrs. might not be returning. No luck finding Internado?”
“Hey, it’s the Mrs.,” Carly said. “Internado plays in the dungeon. We don’t have access.”
“Need my help?” Sinclair asked.
“Internado got one look at Carly and was chomping at the bit,” Ashton said. “I’ll let you know if we run into an obstacle.”
“Are you guys going there tonight?”
“No, his daughter had a baby,” Carly said. “He’s in Richmond.”
“That’s not the real reason he’s there,” Sin said. “He’s announcing his run for governor this weekend.”
“Because Richmond’s the capital?” Ashton asked.
“No, because he’s from Richmond and always returns home for significant political announcements,” Sinclair replied. “They treat him like royalty. Stroke his ego and God knows what else.”
“Hmm,” Carly said. Rose Aurora was from Richmond.
“Good luck,” Sin said and hung up.
