Because she needed to know that he would. That he’d throw his life into utter chaos again just to be with her.
“Because of whatever this is between us, because of the way you feel about me.” She took a deep breath. “Because of the way I feel about you. I love you.”
There—she’d said the words out loud. No beating about the bush. She’d told him the truth. She loved him.
“I want everything you’re willing to give me,” she continued.
“Then my answer is yes.”
She couldn’t have heard him right. “Yes?”
“I’ll go with you, but hell, Natalie, this isn’t going to be easy on Carrie. Or me.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Plus, I’ll have to figure a way out of my contract with Memphis Children’s and—”
Not quite believing what he’d said, what it meant, about to burst with giddy happiness, she walked over and put her fingers over his mouth, silencing him. “You don’t need to do any of those things. I shouldn’t have said you did.”
His eyes narrowed.
“There’s no need for you to go with me because I’m not going anywhere.”
He studied her. “You’re not taking the job?”
She shook her head. “Why would I do that when everything I want is in Memphis?” To emphasize her point, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “When you and Carrie are in Memphis.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. I love you, Matthew.”
“I love you, too.” He pulled her to him. “Is this really happening?”
“I think so.” She smiled. “I may just be the happiest woman who ever lived.”
He grinned. “That happy, eh?”
“Happier.”
“Good, because I want to make you happy.”
“I want to be a part of your and Carrie’s life, Matthew. I want to do right by her.”
“Then that’ll be two of us trying to do right by her, Natalie, because I’m learning as I go with this whole parenting thing.”
“You’re wonderful, Matthew. I watch you with her and think how lucky she is to have you, how I wish I’d had someone like you in my life.”
“I’m sorry about your parents, Natalie. I wish you’d had me in your life, too. Carrie is lucky because she gets both of us to love her and make sure she always feels wanted.”
“I have you now and for that, for you, I am grateful.” She laid her head against her chest, listening to his heart beat, peace coming over her that, whatever life threw at them, they would handle it. Together.
“I know something that would make me very happy this very moment.”
“What’s that?”
“You kissing me.”
Matthew was happy to oblige—then, and every day for the rest of their lives.
* * * * *
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