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“I thought it hurt last time you left.” He breathed the words against her mouth. “But that was nothing to the pain I felt knowing you were out there somewhere with Angie.”
Bailey slid her fingers into his hair and held him close.
“I’m sorry about what happened in my office.”
“Joe, there’s no need—”
“Let me talk.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “I should have asked you first to marry me, but the words just came out. And I can’t promise that I won’t spend money on you again, because spoiling you is going to be one of my life goals. Plus, there’s that protective streak I have, that may be associated with me appearing pushy.”
Bailey managed a smile.
“When I knew you and Angie were out there somewhere, I realized that nothing else mattered in my life but getting to you, and having you back with me safe. I couldn’t contemplate a future without you in it, Bailey.”
“Oh, Joe, I love you so much.”
“I love you too. My friend, soul mate, and lover. Never leave me again.”
“I’ll make that promise if you will?”
“Deal.”
She felt her eyes start to close then, as tiredness once again dragged her under.
“Sleep now, baby. I’m here, and you’re safe.”
Epilogue
“But I’m sure it has cinnamon in it, Miss Sarah.” Bailey heard Buzz bark his agreement from somewhere behind her.
“It doesn’t, Bailey, try again.” Miss Marla urged her on. “And you can be quiet, Buzz, or there’s no more biscuits for you.”
Bailey heard the door open, and knew it was Joe who entered, simply because the air felt different. Which was ridiculous, but it was always the same. “You can’t see me, Joe. It’s our wedding day, so get out of here now!” It really didn’t bother her, but she knew the women who were trying to keep her busy would mind. At present they were tasting tea, and she’d gotten every one wrong.
“You can’t see me, so technically we’re good. How’s my girl doing, Miss Marla?”
“No good, I’m afraid. Do you want to try, Joe?”
“Sure.”
Bailey heard him pull up a seat beside her, but didn’t remove her blindfold. Instead she took another sip of tea.
“Give up, sweetheart, you know I’m gonna kick your ass.” The deep words were whispered in Bailey’s ear, and made her shiver.
“I don’t think so.” Bailey turned and let her lips brush his cheek. She was rewarded with an indrawn breath. She then heard him swallow a mouthful of tea.
“Lemongrass, ginger, and licorice root.”
“All those things and cinnamon, was what I meant to say.”
Joe huffed out a breath beside her. “No, you didn’t mean that, and there is no cinnamon in there, Bailey, so give it up.”
“I know that right about now you have that really smug look on your face that you get when you beat me at this.”
“I know, baby, but now’s not the time to pout, even though it looks cute on you. Those things that are twisted in your hair really do something for you.”
“What the hell are you doing in this house, nephew!”
“I’m leaving, but first I wanted to give Bailey her present.”
