Susan Mallery - One in a Million

“You love me?"

“Yeah. Are you shocked?" Relief and happiness and promise and hope swept through her making her feel as if she could float on air.

“I'm stunned," she said, then kissed him. "I love you, too. I know I wasn't supposed to, but I couldn't help myself."

“I'm not about to complain. Will you marry me, Stephanie? I know we have a lot of details to work out, but they're just logistics. I can relocate. Hell, I can get a different job. I just want to be with you and the boys." Someone tugged on her T-shirt. She looked down and saw her kids standing next to them.

“Say yes, Mom," Brett told her.

Nash chuckled. "Okay, guys, we need a little privacy." The boys grumbled, but took a few steps back. He turned back to her.

“I know the last time you ran off with someone you'd only known a few weeks, it was a disaster. So if you want to take things slow, I'll understand. I want to be a partner in this marriage. I want us to take care of each other. It's not going to be one-sided, but I'm willing to prove that to you, rather than have you take my word."

“Oh, Nash." She leaned against him and sighed. "You've already proved that a hundred times over. I love you and I want to be with you always." She looked into his eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you. There's nothing I want more."

“All right." Nash pulled her off her feet and swung her around. "She said yes," he yelled.

There was a collective cheer. For the first time she noticed the Haynes/Harmon/Reynolds clan had gathered around them.

“We have an audience," she murmured.

“I know. They're my family. Your family, now. Maybe we should give them a show." He lowered her back to the ground and pressed his mouth to hers. It was a kiss of love, of passion and promise. Stephanie responded in kind, as words of congratulations washed over them.

My family, Nash had said with pride. He was no longer the man on the outside, looking in, she thought happily. He'd become a part of them, and of her. He'd come home.