When We Met (Fool's Gold #13)(89)
“I did,” he admitted. “I felt guilty and confused. I wanted to be with you, but what if I couldn’t keep you safe, either? What if we had kids and something bad happened?”
The girls started whispering.
Taryn’s mouth curved up into a smile. “Stop,” she said. “No one is pregnant. Are we clear?”
Chloe stepped away from Kenny. “I’d like a little brother or sister. I’ve told Mom, but she says that isn’t going to happen.” She turned to Regan. “She would have to get married first.”
Angel swore under his breath. When had he lost control of the situation? This was not how he’d planned on telling Taryn how he felt.
He looked at her and realized control was nothing but an illusion. All any of them had was this moment. He’d been blessed with two amazing women in his life. It was about time he recognized that.
He pulled the wreath off his head and put it on Taryn’s, then reached for her other hand.
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” he told her, staring into her eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize how lucky I was to have you love me. I’m sorry I disappeared without an explanation. It won’t happen again.”
“Okay,” she said slowly.
“I love you, Taryn. I think I have from the first time I saw you.”
Her lower lip began to tremble, but she didn’t speak. Tears filled her eyes.
He pulled her into his arms. She went easily, fitting in as if she’d always belonged with him. Her arms came around his body and pulled him close.
“I love you,” he whispered, so only she could hear. “For always. Later, I want to do it right. On one knee. But just so you know, I mean to marry you and grow old with you.”
“Naked?” she asked softly.
He pulled back a little and stared at her. “You want me naked when I’m old?”
She giggled. “No. During the proposal.”
He gave her a slow smile. “I can make that happen.”
“What are they saying?” Allison asked. “I can’t hear them.”
“Probably for the best,” Jack said. “All right, you two. That’s enough emotion for any afternoon. Break it up. These girls have to be in a parade.”
Angel held out his hand to Taryn. “Come with us.”
Taryn felt the hole in her heart finally heal. She hadn’t been looking for love, but somehow it had found her. Found them. She took Angel’s hand and knew, no matter what, she was never letting go.
They stepped into the street and the girls walked with them.
When they reached the end of the parade, Denise Hendrix was waiting. As each girl walked by, she handed her a small wooden bead.
“The family bead,” Angel said.
Taryn pulled her leather bracelet out of her pocket. “I’m ready for mine.”
Denise saw them and smiled. They each took a bead. Before Taryn could put hers on her bracelet, he drew her close and kissed her.
“You know I agreed to continue with the grove,” he told her.
“I hadn’t heard.”
“I’m going to need an assistant.”
“Yes, you are.”
He touched her cheek. “I’d like it to be you.”
She sighed happily. “I’m pretty sure that can be arranged.”
* * * * *
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