“I’m in love.”
“So am I, and it scares me to death.”
His eyes welled. “Piper, damn it, I’ve been waiting a lifetime to hear you say that.”
“I love you, Grant Weston. There. Happy now?”
“Delirious.” He kissed her, and they both had to pull away to wipe their tears.
“I love you, but I’m not sure I can do a big wedding again.”
“No need. I have the perfect solution.”
“But seriously, we need a prenup.”
“Not on my end, but like I said, I’ll sign anything you want me to.”
“Grant, you have a lot more money than I do. Protect it.” Hell, he needed a keeper.
“Without you, money doesn’t mean anything.” He swallowed, seeming nervous, which wasn’t like him. “You’ll think I’m nuts, but everything I’ve ever done was to get what I want most. A family. Baseball was a means to an end. Sure, I love the sport, and being a professional pays well. I’m financially set. Then the right woman—you. It’s always been you. The sex I had, the women I talked to or flirted with, it was all with the intent to learn how to give you pleasure.”
“Grant, I... Wow.”
“I know. I sound like I have a screw loose. Cade has told me that often enough. But I can’t help it. This is who I am. I’m not perfect. I can be obsessive. But I’ll never stray, and I’ll always come back to you. Everything about you makes me happy, Piper. And okay, I might be a little clingy, but I want us to have a life together and apart, where we have our own interests and friends. I want a healthy relationship—I took classes to learn what that should look like.”
“But baseball. Are you sure you want to give that up?”
“Piper, didn’t you read my list? I made my goals. It’s time to move on. The comics can keep, but you can’t.”
“You really want me to marry you?” Hope pushed through all her fears.
“I do. But I won’t lie. I have to finish out my contract, so I’ll need to be in Seattle at least until next season ends.”
“So we should wait?”
“No way. I want you in my life now. But ah, I don’t want to rush you. If you—”
“Let’s do it.” Her heart was pounding. What did Jared like to say? Go big or go home? “Let’s go to Vegas and get married.”
He smiled so wide she feared for his jaw. “That’s the plan! See? Great minds do think alike. You’re mine, Piper. And I’m yours. Forever.”
“Forever, huh?” She had to wipe her sweaty palms on her skirt. “Well, I’m in. But I’m going to make a few lists of my own.”
“Great. Good. Come on. You’re driving.”
She nodded and took the keys, wondering if she’d come to her senses or was making the biggest mistake of her life. But as she heard him making plans and moving schedules around, she realized that he truly, madly loved her. And he was showing her the only way he knew how.
After Jenna’s care had been handled—she’d stay with her grandparents until Piper returned—and Grant had gotten them a flight, they drove to the closest airport.
Once on the plane, Grant turned to her with a kiss. “Piper, you don’t have to do this right now. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
“Grant, what if I told you that this is your Christmas present?”
“I’d tell you I’m the luckiest man in the world. It would be my honor to treasure my gift. Forever.”
December 22nd
Jenna had no idea where her aunt had gone or why Grant had also disappeared. Some love nest thing in Bellevue again? Apparently, that’s where he lived when not visiting Cade. But hey, the house had been decorated with enough Christmas bling to make Santa jealous, and Grandma and Grandpa were happy to stay at Jenna’s house waiting for the family to return.
