Susan Mallery: Sweet Talk

He paused, and took another step closer. “If you still want us. Me, I mean. I know you love her.”

Tears spilled from her eyes. She was too happy to speak or breathe or do anything but stare at him.

He shrugged. “I know what you’re thinking. I should have to work harder to prove myself. I will. I’m sorry about what I said about the baby. I know you weren’t trying to trap me. I didn’t expect to fall for you and when I did, I…” He looked away, then back at her. “I got scared, okay. I’ll admit it. I’d never let anyone else matter as much as you did. I was looking for reasons to push you away. I want our baby. I want you. I want us to be a family. I love you, Claire. If you can forgive me for what I put you through, I’m hoping you’ll marry me. If you want to get married. If you don’t, we can just live together. Whatever you want.”

She brushed away her tears, then surprised them both by starting to laugh. She rushed toward him.

Wyatt held open his arms and she flung herself into them. They held on to each other.

He was strong and warm and oh, so familiar. Everything about this felt right.

She raised her head and smiled at him. “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

She laughed again. “Let’s argue about that forever, but first, I don’t want to live in New York. Wyatt, I can work just as well in Seattle. I want to move back. I want to be near Nicole and Jesse and the bakery and your family. Even Drew, who I’m not sure I like right now. I really appreciate the offer, but I love Seattle.”

“Are you sure?”

“As sure as I am about loving you.”

He touched her face, then kissed her. “I was a total jerk.”

“I forgive you.”

“You don’t have to. You can make me squirm for a while. I deserve that.”

“Do you love me?” she asked.

“More than anything. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. I don’t know how I got so lucky to find you.”

“Good answer,” she whispered. “Consider your squirming days at an end.”

“Does this mean you’ll marry me?”

She nodded.

“Do you believe me when I tell you I’m happy about the baby?”

He sounded so worried and anxious. She could see the concern is his eyes. Concern and love and hope.

“Yes,” she told him.

“I’m kind of hoping for a boy,” he admitted.

“Of course you are.”

She smiled and he pulled her close.

“I love you,” he said. “Let’s go find Amy and tell her the happy news. She’s always wanted a stepmother and a brother or sister. You’re going to score big points with her.”

“I’m glad. Then we’ll book a flight back to Seattle,” Claire said as they walked out of her dressing room. “I’m ready to go home.”