“Nolan.” His name was a verbal protest.
His shoulders tensed and he halted, but he didn’t turn to face her.
“Is that it? I screwed up. I get it. Hell, I screwed up royally, but people make mistakes. I forgave you when you made me look stupid in front of the entire town, yet I don’t get the same pass?”
Nolan turned around them, emotions flickering over his face so fast she couldn’t read him. His fists knotted at his sides, and she got the impression he wanted to punch something. Someone. “You said you were sorry, but not once in your little speech did you say anything about being here becauseyouwanted to. It was the boys, Gina, my mother.”
“Oh for goodness sake.” She did an eye roll. “Can’t you read between the lines? I love you. I’ve missed you like crazy, and the second you walked out on me I wanted to run after you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because I’m an idiot,” she snapped. “Because my pride told me you’d come back.” She moved half a step closer, willing him to meet her halfway. He didn’t move a muscle. “Are you accepting my apology?”
“Yes.”
“And?” No mistaking her tone for anything except testy.
His expression relaxed suddenly into a smile, but he remained unmoving. “Are you going to suggest having a threesome again?”
“No! I don’t want to share my man with anyone.”
“Am I your man?”
“Yes, damn it! How many ways do you want me to tell you I’m sorry? I love you. I know I’ve hurt you, and I’ll try really hard not to make the same mistake again.”
“Will you marry me?”
“Is that a proposal?” He didn’t answer and she stared at him in frustration. Damn, the man. She leaped at him, and she silently cheered when his arms wrapped around her to hold her steady. “Yes, I’d love to be your wife.”
“That would make you a farmer’s wife.”
Yvonne wrinkled her nose. “I guess I could learn if I had the right teacher. Maybe your father could—”
“I’d be quite happy to spank you,” Nolan said in a confidential manner.
“Ooh, kinky.”
“With you.” Nolan brushed his fingertips over her cheek, the delicate touch bringing a wash of tenderness and love. “Only with you.”
And then he kissed her, and everything in her world righted. His arms around her felt true. Perfect. His lips against hers fueled lust, love and made her think of forever.
He lifted his head, his crooked grin and the warmth in his eyes bringing relief and happiness.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
He pressed his forehead against hers. “You’ll make a great farmer’s wife. Can I come around tonight?”
“Come for dinner. Stay the night if you want.”
“The boys?”
“They’ll need to get used to having you around.” She tugged at a lock of his hair. He needed a haircut. A wife could remind him. “Somehow I don’t think they’ll mind.”
Nolan arrived before it was time to pick up the boys.
“You’re early,” Yvonne said.
He prowled toward her, a man confident of his welcome, and she laughed in delight when he scooped her up and carried her to her bedroom. She grinned up at him when he dropped her on the mattress.
