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“I won’t regret this or hurt you.” He hesitated, then said, “After Monique’s death, I didn’t think I would ever love a woman again. But I was wrong. I love you. Just give me time to prove how much.”
She searched his gaze for a long moment, then sighed. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Kiss me again?” he asked hopefully.
She wound her arms around his neck. “I love kissing you.”
He figured that was a start. He kissed her again until they were both breathless. Then he rested his forehead on hers. “I want to share my life with you.”
“And a screaming, crying baby?” Doubt laced her tone.
“Yes.” He lifted his head to look down at her. “I want you, Harper. All I’m asking for is a chance.”
She searched his gaze again for a long moment. “I didn’t want to fall in love with you, Steele. But I did.”
“Hallelujah,” he whispered. “You’ve made me a happy man, Harper.”
“Hold on a minute.” She frowned. “I’m not sure you’ve thought this through. That you understand what a future with me entails.”
“I know my heart, Harper. With love, we can conquer anything.”
She considered him for a long moment. “I’m thankful God sent you to rescue me that first day.”
“Me too,” he admitted. “And I promise I won’t rush you into anything. We have plenty of time. I want you to be sure about this too.”
“I honestly can’t imagine a future without you,” she admitted. “And that feels selfish. As if I need you more than you need me.”
“Yeah, that’s not possible.” He pulled her close. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. I just didn’t know it until God threw us together.”
She chuckled. “That He did.”
“Let’s get out of here.” He smiled, thrilled that she was giving him a chance. “Will you please come to my house until we know it’s safe?”
“Yes, I’ll come with you.” She paused, then added, “For now.”
“For now and forever, if I have anything to say about it.” He gave her another quick kiss, then stepped back. Maintaining control around her would prove to be difficult. But he was up for the challenge. “Let’s go.”
“Now and forever, huh?” She laughed and took his hand. “Let’s just take things one day at a time.”
One day at a time for the rest of their lives was fine with him. Because now that he had Harper in his arms, he never wanted to let her go.
EPILOGUE
Two months later...
“Come on, push.” As much as she adored the sweet Dr. Webb, this drill sergeant of a labor and delivery nurse was dancing on her last nerve.
“I’m trying.” She panted and pushed as hard as she could with Steele’s arm supporting her from behind.
“You’re strong. God is with you. You can do this.” His whispered words of encouragement were amazing, but she wasn’t in the mood.
She wanted this baby to be born. Now!
“One more,” the nurse encouraged. “Push with the next contraction.”
Easy for the nurse to say. She wasn’t sweating and writhing in pain. Harper tried not to snap.
Dr. Webb stepped into the room, offering a reassuring smile. “Everything looks good.”
