Page 122 of Tempt
“What’s important to him is being part of a family. Feeling like he belongs.”
I hated to bring this up, but it seemed like the right time. “Speaking of family, Zach, is there—are you—have you changed your mind about—” I struggled with how to phrase it.
He put a finger to my lips. “I know what you’re asking, and the answer is yes. I’m open to wherever the future leads us.”
“Really?” My eyes filled. “You’d consider having a family someday?”
“With you, I would. I want to make you happy, Millie. I want us to build a life together. And if that life includes a family, I’d be the luckiest man on earth.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, wanting to believe him, but still wary of heartbreak. I’d been so sad the last few weeks without him—what if he changed his mind again?
“Yes.” He locked his arms around my lower back, setting his hips against me. “Listen, I wasn’t looking for you. But when I saw you in that hotel bar, it hit me like a lightning strike—I had to have you. But once wasn’t enough. I swear to God, you never left my head for a moment after that night we spent together.”
“You never left mine either.”
“And when I saw you again, it was the same thing—electrifying, like I’d been brought back to life. I started wanting things with you I’ve never wanted with anyone, because Ifeltthings for you I’d never felt for anyone. Itoldyou things about myself I’ve never told anyone. I trusted you with pieces of me I’ve never trusted to anyone else.”
“I trusted you too,” I said. “Immediately. The moment we met.”
“I know you did.” He smiled. “It’s one of the things I love about you, because I know you don’t trust easily.”
I sniffed as a tear rolled down one cheek.
“No more crying.” He brushed the tear with his thumb. “We’re going to be together. My life no longer feels right without you. You know what I realized after Las Vegas?”
“What?”
“That home didn’t even feel like home anymore. Home to me now is wherever you are, and no matter where I go, I will always make my way back to you. I want to show you something.” He let me go and slipped out of his coat, tossing it onto the velvet settee behind me.
I watched him unbutton the cuff of his black shirt and roll it up, sucking in my breath at the new ink on his inner forearm. “You got a new tattoo!”
“It’s a compass rose,” he said. “A navigational tool for sailors, but also a symbol of discovery.”
I studied the beautifully rendered design, the skin still tender and pink around it. “I love it,” I whispered.
“I got it for you.” His voice was quiet but firm. “You’re my north, south, east, and west, Millie Rose. You ground me, you guide me, you inspire me. And I’m madly in love with you.”
The tears were flowing freely now, but I didn’t even care. I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face in his chest, blubbering like a baby. “I love you too,” I sobbed. “I’m so happy.”
“Are you sure?” He chuckled as he stroked my back. “This is a lot of crying for ‘happy.’”
“Yes, I’m sure.” It took me a minute or two to stop, but eventually I let go of him and hurried into the bathroom so I could blow my nose and clean up my face.
When I came out, he was looking around. “The shop is beautiful, Millie. I’m in awe of what you’ve done.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’m really excited, but also nervous. I open in just two days. I’ve got appointments already!”
He smiled as he took me in his arms again. “Don’t be nervous. You’ve got this. Tell me what I can do to help you. I’m all yours.”
I tipped my head back and looked up at him. “What I could really use is a distraction. Got a date for New Year’s Eve?”
He lowered his lips to mine. “I do now.”
* * *
I’d been invited to a party at my Aunt April and Uncle Tyler’s house, but we decided to skip it and have a night in. I sent a quick text to my sisters saying I wouldn’t be there but I was fine, better than ever actually, and I’d explain in the morning. I wished them both a Happy New Year and said I was positive this was going to be the best year ever for all the MacAllister girls.
Audrey and Emmeline would graduate from high school. Winnie and Dex were getting married this summer. Hutton and Felicity were building a gorgeous new house. And me? I smiled as I headed for home, Zach’s headlights in my rearview mirror.
