“Thanks.”
Silence fell as they held each other close, interrupted by some brakes squeaking on the hill near her house and a bird warbling.
Luke leaned back slightly, and his face looked earnest.
Mar straightened, concerned about what else might be coming.
“You know what I decided through all of this?” he asked.
“No. What?” She gave him an encouraging smile.
“I’ve buried myself in work, partially because I’m trying to keep up with all the ideas in my head, but also because I was trying to bury the memories of Tracey and the longing for a family of my own. Seeing Tracey again made me realize what I really want.”
Mar’s stomach pitched. What if he wanted Tracey and Lacey, despite Lacey not being his? Tracey was beautiful, and they’d loved each other once. Mike was out of the picture and Luke would be a fabulous dad to Lacey.
Luke pressed his lips together and then nodded as if convincing himself. “At the risk of moving too fast and scaring you, I have to tell you, Mar. I have to tell you right now.”
He fell silent. Yet it didn’t sound like he was going to tell her he wanted Tracey. “Moving too fast” suggested a relationship for the two of them. Mar wanted to gesture for him to come along. Did the longing for a family of his own have anything to do with her? She found herself hoping and nodding. She wanted Luke as her family. It would be the answer to her every prayer. “Please tell me.”
“I wanted to tell you the other night when you said that only Cosette loved you. You’re wrong, Mar. I love you too.”
Mar’s eyes widened and her stomach hopped happily. She swallowed and said in a tremulous voice, “Are you sure?”
A brief smile flickered over Luke’s face, and she thought he might tease her about her response, but he seemed to sense her uncertainty about her ability to be loved. “I’ve never been more sure. I love you, Mar. I started loving you when I saw you plowing your way up that sandy wedding aisle in those spike heels. I could tell you were struggling, but you pasted a smile on and kept moving. You’re strong, resilient, fun, smart, beautiful … you’re everything to me.”
Mar had to blink fast to combat the tears. She kissed him quickly and told him, “Thank you, Luke. Thank you for loving me.” She bit at her lip and blurted the scariest words she’d ever said: “I love you back.”
Luke grinned and proceeded to kiss her. When he pulled back, he said, “I understand if you want to take things slow and figure out our work and how to be together and …”
Mar pushed her finger to his lips. “Shh. Please. Don’t let reality intrude on this.”
Luke chuckled. He cradled her close.
Mar cuddled against him. She wanted to justbe, but she had to admit to him, “I’ve been alone most of my life. I had Cosette and I adore her, but I’ve never had family. It might be hard for me to trust and not get feisty and be the kind of person you deserve, but I don’t want to be alone anymore, Luke. I want to be with you.”
“You aremorethan I deserve,” he reaffirmed. His voice caught as he asked, “What are you saying?”
Mar bit at her lip and forced out the second scariest words she’d ever verbalized: “Let’s elope. Let’s take that beautiful plane of yours to Hawaii and get married. We can figure the rest out. Let’s just be together.” Was she crazy?
Luke grinned and lifted her onto his lap. “Yes, ma’am, on one condition.”
“What’s that?” Her breath was coming faster being so close to him.
“You kiss me to seal this engagement, and let me propose properly once we get a ring.”
“Yes, sir.” She leaned down to kiss him, knowing no matter what issues she had or help she needed, Luke would be there for her. She wouldn’t be alone again. She’d be with the one man who was the perfect fit for her.