The Nurse's One Night to Forever

“For however long you’ll have me.” He swallowed. “Longer than that. Whether you’ll risk loving me, risk letting me be a part of your life or not, you are a part of mine and always will be. Because my heart is yours.”

Riley’s eyes stung. Tears trickled down her face as she admitted, “I love you, Justin. Kyle, too. But I—what if I can’t do this? What if I lock up every time we start getting closer and push you away?”

He kissed her hands, held them tightly within his. “Then I’ll love you through it.”

Was it even possible?

“I used to want children, a family, but then...”

“But then you got left at the altar and decided being alone was safer than risking that devastation again?”

Her insides quivered at what he was saying, at how exposed she was making her heart.

Then again, her heart was more than exposed. Her heart was Justin’s.

“I can’t believe I haven’t told you why I was in your driveway,” he said suddenly.

Confused, she watched him reach into his pocket and pull out a gold chain. Realizing what he held, disbelief hit her. Her breath caught all over again.

“My necklace!”

“I found it earlier tonight. It’s been beneath my bed.” He took her hand, pressed the necklace into her palm and closed her fingers around the chain. “The clasp is broken, but I’ll have it repaired.”

The chain had been in his pocket, and the metal was warm against her skin. Or maybe it was the warmth emanating from within her because he’d found her precious gift.

Oh, Mama, she thought, squeezing the chain. How I wish that you were here...that you could know Justin.

“I can’t believe you found it after all this time. I thought I’d lost it forever.” Her eyes watered as she looked up at him. “Even worse, I thought I’d lost you forever.”

His eyes glittered with the reflection of the moon. “You are my forever, Riley.”

Justin kissed her—a kiss not quite like any they’d shared. A kiss that was full of the ever-present heat, but also full of possessiveness and giving. Love, she thought. That’s what is there. It had been there all along, but she’d been too defensive to accept it.

Never again. Come what may, she’d lay her heart at his feet, risking him trampling it or lifting it high. She’d take his precious heart and cherish the gift of his love.

EPILOGUE

“HE’LL BE HERE,” Cassie assured Riley, rearranging her veil.

Understanding why her friend felt the need to reassure her, yet again, Riley resisted being annoyed at her friend’s repeated comment. Her friend’s unnecessary comment.

Justin would be here.

As long as there was breath in his body he’d be there for her and for Kyle and for any other children who came along.

Still, she did currently question her sanity at not insisting they just go to the county clerk’s office and say their vows there.

“You ready?” asked Cassie.

“Ready for this to be over.”

Riley looked in the mirror one last time. She’d not lost that fifteen pounds she’d meant to lose before today, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was how Justin’s eyes lit up when he looked at her...how when he looked at her what he saw was everything he wanted.

Cassie scowled at her answer. “This is the best day of your life. Enjoy it.”

Riley laughed. “Which means tonight is going to be the best night of my life, right? That I will enjoy.”

Catching on, Cassie widened her eyes, then giggled. “Now I understand your rush. Let’s get this show on the road.”