“Not even close.” Gill sat up in bed until his back was resting against the headboard.
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms so that she was cradled against his chest.
She toyed with his chest hair. “What is there left to discuss? You love me. I love you. And we’ll see what happens from here.”
He shook his head. “See that’s where we differ. I already know what I want to happen from here.”
It was startling to realize that she wasn’t tense anymore. Whatever happened, she had faith that they’d handle it—together. Such a simple word, but not one she’d ever used before in her personal life. She’d always been alone. “What do you want?” She was truly curious to know.
He continued to stroke the curve of her neck, his fingers playing with the hair at her nape. “I want to move to Jamesville.” He let his hand slide across until he was cupping her cheek. “I want to wake up with you in the morning and go to bed with you each night.”
Her heart leapt with joy. “You’re moving to Jamesville?”
“Yes.”
“What will you do? I mean, I know you’re a retired cop. Will you go to work for the Jamesville Sheriff’s department or the State Police?”
Gill shook his head. “I’ve seen enough of the law from that side of things.” He picked up her hand and toyed with her fingers. “You know I’ve got a couple of degrees.”
She nodded. “Patrick told me when I asked him about you.”
“He told me that you’d checked me out.” One corner of his mouth turned up in a grin. “I knew from the start you were smart.”
“What can I say? A girl can’t be too careful.” She batted her eyelashes playfully.
Gill laughed, just as she’d hoped. “Honestly, I’d like to counsel victims of abuse, women and children. Maybe advocate for them in some capacity. I know how the law works and think I can help them. Maybe help out the local shelter, if there is one. Offer self-defense courses to women. That kind of thing.” He twined their fingers together, palm-to-palm, giving a light squeeze before releasing her hand. “I’ve worked hard my entire life, but I’ve never had an extravagant lifestyle. The bulk of my paychecks were banked and invested. Plus, I’ve got a pension after twenty years on the force.” He shrugged. “I’ve got time to figure things out.”
Alicia wrapped her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could. She didn’t want him to see the tears that filled her eyes. She’d always known he was a very special man, but he continued to surprise her. “You’d be wonderful doing any of those things.”
“Or all of them.”
She laughed and released him. “Or all of them.”
He brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed each finger in turn. “I know this is too soon, but I’m just putting it out there as something for you to think about.” Gill angled her so that she was looking straight at him. “I want to marry you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “You don’t have to marry me, Gill. My reputation can withstand our being together.” The last reason she wanted to be married was out of a sense of guilt or honor. Gill was an honorable man with his own code of ethics. He wouldn’t worry about himself, but he would worry about her reputation and her livelihood.
He shook his head and gave her a gentle smile. Once again, she was lost. Having him look at her as if she was the center of his world made her insides melt.
“I know I don’t have to marry you, sugar. I want to. I thought you’d take pity on me and make me an honest man. We can have a long engagement if you’re not sure.” He smoothed a lock of damp hair from her forehead. “I don’t mind waiting. I’ve waited for you my entire life, Alicia.” His voice grew huskier with each word he spoke. “I’ll wait for you forever if that’s what it takes.”
“Yes,” she blurted out.
He stilled. “Yes, what?
“Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, I love you. Just yes.” Flinging her arms, around him, she began to laugh. Gill hugged her so tight, she could barely breathe, but who needed to breathe anyway? She was in love.
Gill met her lips as she reached out to kiss him. Their bodies melded together and he shifted, lowering her to the mattress. She smiled even as they continued to kiss. There were plenty of details to be worked out, but none of that mattered. There would be time enough for that later.
Much later.
Alicia wrapped her arms around him, remembering all the years of loneliness. They were behind her now. They’d been worth it, if only because they’d brought this man to her.
Gill eased his lips from hers. “Do you need to go back to work today?”
She grinned back at him. “The boss gave me the day off.”
“That so?” He felt an answering smile cover his face.
She nodded solemnly. “To celebrate my engagement.”
Gill swore and leaned over the side of the bed, dragging his jeans close. How could he have forgotten? He dug into the pocket and pulled out a small box. “I bought this yesterday just in case.” He felt awkward as he held out the box with the ring. He’d spent hours searching for the perfect ring for Alicia. He was only getting engaged once in his life and wanted to do it right. “If you don’t like it, we can exchange it.”
Nestled inside the box was a brilliant emerald, surrounded by diamonds. Tears welled in her eyes and began to slip down her cheeks.
Immediately concerned, Gill tugged her closer. “It’s okay, sugar. I bought it because it reminded me of your eyes. We can take it back.” He should have known better than to try and pick out the ring without her. That kind of thing was important to a woman.
“Don’t you dare.” She swiped at her eyes and held out her hand. “It’s perfect.”
He eyed her questioningly. “Those are happy tears?”
She nodded and wagged her hand. He pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it over her finger. It fit perfectly.
She held her hand out in front of her, turning it one way and then another, admiring the ring. “I can’t believe you bought a ring. You must have been pretty sure of yourself.”
He shook his head. “No sure. Just hopeful.”
Another tear spilled slowly down her cheek. “Thank you.”
Gill used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “No, thank you. Thank you for giving me everything I’d ever dreamed for, but never thought I’d find.”
When he’d come to Jamesville, he’d hoped to find some peace of mind. Instead, he’d found so much more. He’d found a home.
Their lips met and he deepened the kiss, determined to love her until she screamed with pleasure. He smiled in anticipation. It was going to be a long afternoon.