Shifting in bed, she grunted. Theo opened his eyes and smiled her way.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“Okay. You stayed here overnight.”
He sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m not going anywhere, pixie. Right here is where I belong.”
Her hand clenched his. “I’m not going anywhere either. I didn’t run away like the texts said. That was Frank.”
“I know, pixie. I figured that out. It’s why we had the cavalry show up in the nick of time.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry I was angry the other day. I didn’t mean to make you mad or indicate I didn’t trust you. I trust you with my life, Theo.”
He pressed a sweet kiss to her nose. “I’m the one who needs to apologize. I should have told you about the check. You had every right to be upset.”
“It was just me and my insecurities. Frank knew it would put a wedge between us.”
Theo narrowed his eyes. “I still don’t understand what he had against me.”
“Frank wanted the company, and he had to kill you to get it.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
Chelsea explained about her father’s will and the codicil and the plan the two men had concocted. It boggled her mind to think how many times the man had tried, and failed, to kill Theo. Thank God he had.
“Well, it’s all over now, and we can focus on us and being a family.” Theo ran his fingers through her hair and tucked it behind her ear.
“Are you sure you still want me after all this mess?” The anxiety she’d always felt still lingered.
The sad expression on his face stabbed at her soul.
“I love you, pixie. Now, tomorrow, forever, and always.” Pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose, he pulled her in for a gentle hug.
Doubt still nagged at her. “But what if my condition—”
“We’ll worry about anything that comes along at that time.” He kissed her forehead. “If there’s truly some imbalance, we’ll deal with it. I’m hoping the love of your husband and daughter and all the support we give you will get you through any hard times. I don’t plan to ever have you out of my sight for long. You okay with that?”
Her heart lightened as she circled her arms around him. “I’m very okay with that. I love you, too, Theo, and I can’t think of any place I’d rather be than with you and Jordan. Forever and always.”
“It’s a plan then. Once you get out of here, we’ll start getting ready to move to the cottage. I hear the ocean is extremely therapeutic. I can’t wait to make love to you with the sound of the waves roaring in the background and the ocean breeze drifting in the windows.”
Chelsea’s insides flipped. “So you only want me for my oceanfront property, is that it?”
Chuckling, he kissed her passionately. “I thought you said I owned the whole business and estate. I could buy my own oceanfront property.”
“Guess you could,” she responded to his words and his kisses. “Nice to know you don’t want me for my money.”
“Oh, I definitely want you for more than that.” Theo caressed her cheek, then slid his hands down her figure. “I plan on showing you as soon as you’re feeling better.”
Chapter twenty-seven
ThewaterofJordanPond glimmered like the diamond on Chelsea’s finger. Theo had insisted he get her a real engagement ring to go with the wedding band she’d slipped on her finger five years ago. Five years to this day.
The gentle breeze blew hair into her eyes, and she pushed it aside, wanting to see Theo as soon as she got to the bridge. Yup, there he was waiting for her. So gorgeous in his dress ranger uniform and hat. Rico stood beside him, along with a dozen other friends and family they’d invited for the renewal of their vows. They’d all come by way of the boardwalk, while Chelsea and Jordan had taken the easier route on the graded path.
“There he is, Mama,” Jordan yelled. “The handsome wanger. Like in the story.”
“Yes, sweetheart, and now he has two beautiful princesses to love.”
