“The scum,” Beck growled.
Eve’s head had been clearing and the pain calming but the anger at Mark made the ache rear again. How dare he? She forced herself to just hold on to Beck and Paisley, instead of going to kick the loser while he lay there like the wuss he was.
“Thank you for saving me, my Beck,” Paisley said.
Tears slid down Eve’s face. Beck’s strength was holding her up now and he had just rescued her daughter. “Yes, thank you,” she managed.
“I love you, Pais,” Beck said. “I will always watch out for you.”
“I love you,” Paisley said loudly, smacking his cheek with her lips.
Eve’s heart swelled in her as she glanced up at the two of them.
Beck gently kissed the side of her forehead that wasn’t throbbing. “I love you,” he murmured.
“I love you. Thank you, Beck.” She needed to gush out her gratitude but that was enough for now. Tonight she’d show him exactly how much she appreciated him.
They clung to each other in their little circle as more people arrived to gawk and then police cars flooded the scene and uniformed officers started to sort out the mess. Eve was so relieved and so in love with Beck. She owed him everything, and never wanted to let him go.
* * *
Beck waited very impatiently after the EMTs cleared Eve and then the police had to separate them for questioning. He only knew he had to have Eve and Paisley back in his arms. He didn’t think that he’d ever forget the terror he felt after realizing Eve’s psychotic ex had stolen their girl. Their girl. Beck and Eve’s girl. It was true. No matter what, he had to be with Eve and Paisley. They were his and they all belonged together. Now to convince Eve of that.
The police finally released them. One of the officers came in and explained that Mark had confessed to kidnapping Paisley hoping for a ransom from Eve’s family. They also found the silver Lexus Mark had rented. He’d paid a seventeen-year-old to drive away on his signal as a distraction. Beck was grateful the guy’s plan hadn’t worked. He couldn’t stand the thought of Paisley scared and confused without her mom or Beck.
The police took them back to the gym to get their cars, Beck caught a glimpse of Eve staring longingly at him. He thought it might not be too difficult to convince her that they all belonged together. They drove together in his Bugatti to Eve’s house. They’d get her car tomorrow. He would sleep on the couch. He wasn’t going to leave them, not tonight, not ever.
It was early evening when they walked tiredly inside. Beck turned to Eve and she did exactly what he’d hoped. She flung herself at him and held on tight. Paisley wasn’t about to be left out as she said, “Hold me, my Beck.”
Beck grinned, swooped the little girl up, and easily held her in the crook of his right arm as he held Eve close with his left. When Eve pulled back, rather than confess his undying love and his desires to marry her and adopt Paisley he said, “Do you want to take a bath and Paisley and I will order takeout and find a movie to watch?”
“Do I stink?” she teased with a sweet smile on her lips.
Beck chuckled, grateful she could tease after what they’d been through. “You smell delectable,” he smiled, “I just thought you might want to relax. That was quite a hit you took to the head.”
“Nowhere near as hard as the hits you gave Mark.” Her voice sounded thick with emotion. “Thank you, Beck. Thank you so much.”
Beck searched her blue gaze. Maybe it was time. “I will always be there for you, Eve.”
She smiled tremulously and her eyes brightened before tears spilled over her dark lashes. Beck’s stomach plummeted.
“Why you making my mama cry?” Paisley demanded.
“I didn’t mean to,” Beck rushed to say.
Eve held up a hand. “No, these are good tears. I love you, Beck.” Her voice got low and fierce. “You promise you’ll never leave us?”
“Never.” He swallowed hard and said in what he hoped was a level tone because he was so full of love for her and Paisley that he was afraid his voice would crack. “Marry me, Eve, please.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth formed the prettiest little bow.
“I know it’s quick and I know it’s crazy, but I want to be with you two. Always. I can’t stand one more day without knowing you’re mine, one more night without you sleeping next to me.” The words were so sappy his teammates would’ve died laughing but he’d say sappier ones if it would convince Eve of his sincerity. “Please, marry me.”
Eve bit at her lip. Her gaze darted to Paisley and lingered there as if trying to decide what was the best thing for her daughter. He wanted to reassure her that he would love and provide for both of them, raise Paisley as his own, he already felt like he loved her like a father, but he forced himself to wait. The moments passed and he didn’t know how long he could stand the wait. He loved Eve completely and couldn’t imagine ever wanting to be apart.
She finally met his gaze. Her blue eyes were warm, lit up, and so inviting it was all he could do to not kiss her and then ask the question again.
“Yes,” she said, breathlessly, beautifully. “Of course, I’ll marry you, yes!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him until Paisley pushed her face against Beck’s cheek.