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“That’s what I was lookin’ for. Yep, you and I will tell about this little meetin’ together. I’ll be in town for a few days and I’ll arrange for us to have dinner. I hear Mariano’s is decent.”
“Sure, that sounds good, and thanks for stopping by. It’s been a real pleasure.”
“Nope, the pleasure’s all mine,” the man declared, then strode back to the Escalade and climbed inside.
Thinking back to the unexpected visit, Matt wondered how the heck Stella’s father knew about them. But he had a feeling he’d never know.
“Matt...?” Stella mumbled, taking him away from his thoughts, “please hold me.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, bringing her into his arms.
“It’s the storm. In Texas we have tornadoes and they’re terrifying.”
“We don’t get them here.”
“I know, and that was kind of an excuse. I just want you to hold me and never let me go.”
“Stella...we can’t hold each other if you’re living somewhere else,” he said softly. “It may be too soon, but we never know what life will throw at us. Please...I want you here with me.”
“Yes, Matt, I’d love that...and, uh, I love you.”
“Back at ya.”
“Nope, you have to say it.”
Clutching her hair and tugging it back, he fixed her with an unwavering gaze.
“I love you, Stella, and I’ll hold you for as long as you need.”
“Forever?”
“Forever and beyond...”
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
STEPHANIE AND STEWARThad said their goodbyes to Tia and Jerry and were walking wearily into their bedroom. As Stephanie undressed and slipped into bed, Stewart lit a small fire, then quickly pulled off his clothes and climbed in beside her. Snuggling against him, she let out a deep sigh.
