When I invented the tech with Declan, I was absolutely clear that we needed to start a company.With the help of my brothers, that bar napkin invention now has a place in the world and has secured my family’s future.
Even sitting here with a distressed horse, when things could turn bad, I’m sure of myself.I know when to call the vet in.I know how to help her.I know when to be patient and when to act.
But looking over at Emma, her pretty face in profile, the way her long graceful neck appears in the dim light—with this woman, I have no idea what to do.
“I'm sorry for walking away,” Emma says out of nowhere.
I turn to look at her, but she's staring straight ahead.I speak to her profile.“You have nothing to apologize for.I’m trying to remember how to do this, how to open my heart to a woman.I’m out of practice, and I’m a stubborn sonofabitch.”
Emma puts her hand on my arm, quieting me.“Stop,” she whispers.The sound of her soft voice makes me shudder.I didn’t know how much I missed her soft whisper.“I can see how you might think I overstepped.I’m just a housekeeper.A cleaner and cook.I don't know anything about raising children.”
I cup her face in my hands and look deep into her eyes, which are glistening with emotion.“It’s your turn to stop,” I say.“You're not just a housekeeper or a cleaner or a cook.You’re the sweetest woman I’ve ever known, and so sexy that I can't stop thinking about making love to you.If you can’t see that, then I’m not doing my job.”
Emma pulls away from me.She lays her head into her hands.“No,” she says.“There are things about me that…” she starts and then stops.I wait for her to continue, not wanting to push her.I know that we’re at some turning point, and I don't want to ruin it.
Not again.
Finally, she raises her head.“I'm nothing, Finn.I came from nothing.You came from everything.You're a MacLaine.You're Yosemite Ranch.You're a war hero and a tech genius.You're a millionaire.”
I'm tempted to tell her that I'm actually a billionaire, but maybe now’s not the time.
“None of that iswhoI am, though.I’m just a dude who’s trying his best to raise a child and respect the memory of his dead wife.And all that matters to me is whoyouare, sitting next to me in a barn in the middle of the night, keeping a mare company as she gives birth.I see you, Emma.I know who you are.You’re the one I want by my side tonight and every night.”
She shakes her head sadly.“That’s the thing.You don't know who I really am.”
“Then tell me.”
She looks up at me, about to speak, just as Suki goes into active labor.
I grab Emma.I kiss her hard and look into those dark, beautiful eyes.“You are not going anywhere.I am yours if you’ll still have me, and you are mine.No matter what it is you’re afraid to tell me, my mind willneverchange.”
She seems stunned.
“You’re mine, Emma.”
She kisses me back.
CHAPTER 75
Emma
At four thirty in the morning, the horse gives birth to a foal, and I burst into tears.It’s not just the miracle of birth.It’s not just helping Finn through the process.It’s because I know without a doubt that Finn and I have turned a corner.Moved forward.
Together.
I don't know where this is going to lead.I still can't believe a man like Finn MacLaine wants anything to do with a woman like me.But that’s what’s happened.And at least for as long as it’ll last, I’m his.
The vet arrives, and Finn is thrilled to hear that the foal and mother are healthy.We send the vet on her way and stay outside to watch the sunrise.Finn takes my hand, and we make our way to the lake.I haven’t spent a lot of time there, but now I wonder why I haven’t.It’s crystal clear waters shimmer under the rising sun.I can see down to the rocky depths.Now and then, a fish swims by.The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore hits my ears.
Finn and I stand watching the natural beauty.His arm is wrapped around my waist.
“I have an idea,” he says.“Have you ever been to Catalina?”
“No.It’s in California, right?”
“Yes.”
“I haven’t been there.I haven’t been anywhere.”
