Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

Melanie’s palms dampened the closer he got to her. “Depends on what you want. It also depends on how much of my past you’re ready to take on.”

“All of it.”

“To which part? What you want, or what you’re willing to take on?”

“Everything.” He took another step. “I want it all, Mel. I want our future, I want the present, I want your past. I want every damn thing I can take from you because I don’t see a scenario where you aren’t in my life. You came to me, which means you’re not walking back out. I need you.”

Melanie couldn’t help the tear-infused hiccup she let out. The swell of emotions had finally caught up with her and she couldn’t hold back.

His raw, honest words were more than she ever thought she’d hear from any man, let alone a man who loved her so much.

“Ironically, I can’t leave,” she said, laughing through her tears. “Jade dropped me off.”

Tanner closed the last bit of distance between them and slid his arms around her waist. “I guess that means you’re finally staying for more than just one night at a time?”

Melanie looped her arms around his neck and rested her forehead on his. “Looks like I’m staying for good.”

Tanner lifted her against him and spun her around. His mouth covered hers in a quick, heated kiss.

“I have two questions,” he muttered against her lips.

Melanie eased her head back and waited. As she stared back at this man she was head-over-stilettos for, she wondered how she’d gotten so lucky.

“Which spare room do we want to put this rocker in for the nursery?”

“The one right next to ours.” She threaded her fingers through his hair. “And the other question?”

“How soon can I make you my wife?”

Melanie stilled for a half second before she rained kisses all over his face. “Tonight, tomorrow. A Christmas wedding has a nice ring to it.”

Tanner turned and started walking. He hit the lights and closed the door behind him, all while carrying her. She circled her legs around his waist and dropped her forehead to his shoulder as he headed toward the back door of the house.

“I’m going to start getting heavier and you won’t be able to carry me,” she warned.

Tanner stopped at the back door. “I’ve told you before, I don’t care about the weight and I will carry you, Mel. I’ll always carry you.”

As he took her inside, she knew he meant those words in every way. He wasn’t just referring to physically. No, this man would carry her through life, and she was just independent yet stubborn enough to let him. Because they were a family now, they were a team.

And she’d finally come home. For good.