She broke away from their kiss. “I’m being greedy, Click Hale. I want it all. I want to go to school, but I want you more.” Her fingers stroked his lips. “Is that okay with you?”
He nodded. “I wouldn’t let you settle for anything less.”
“I know.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That’s why I gave you my he
art, and a puppy, all those years ago.”
The love in his smile washed over her. “After I’m done kissing you, we’ll call our wedding planners and make this official and proper.”
Epilogue
Click listened to the sound of Tandy’s voice over the baby monitor as he finished loading the dishwasher. He could always tell when Pearl was asleep—it was when her little voice fell silent. She was a songbird, just like Tandy. And he loved it.
Banshee yawned from his spot in the corner.
“Tired, too?” he asked the dog. “She’s getting harder to keep up with, isn’t she?”
It was true. The bigger Pearl got, the faster she went. He didn’t know what he’d do without Banshee tracking after her. The dog was like a canine nanny, keeping her corralled close to the house and alerting them to any signs of danger.
“Are you talking about me? I know I am,” Tandy said as she crossed the room. She slid her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his back.
“Guess it applies to you, too.” He chuckled and covered her hands with his, running his finger along the smooth gold band he’d put on her left hand a month before. “Well, Mrs. Hale, I’d like to tell you to go to bed, but your case study won’t write itself.” He lifted her hand, kissed each knuckle and turned to face her. “Can I help with anything?”
“This works,” she said, pressing herself close against him. “I love you.”
He smiled. Every damn time she said it, he smiled. “I love you.” He hugged her tighter.
There were times Click still couldn’t believe just how lucky he was. He had Tandy. He had Lynnie’s place. He was doing what he loved. And Pearl was his. He and Tandy had offered to work out some sort of custody arrangement, but Georgia thought a clean slate was the best thing for her. Click didn’t understand, but he didn’t argue. Mr. Glenn had drawn up the papers and Georgia had signed them.
“What are you thinking about?” Tandy asked, looking up at him.
“Life.” He kissed her forehead. “How good it is.”
She smiled. “Are you saying you’re happy, Mr. Hale? Even though you had to do the dishes?”
He nodded. “But I did have an idea. Something that might help wake you up, help you get your homework done.” He cocked an eyebrow.
“Oh, really?” she asked, smiling broadly. “I can’t wait to hear what you have in mind.”
His lips brushed hers, trailing along her neck to nip her earlobe. “I’d rather show you, Tandy.”
* * * * *