I step closer, close enough to feel the warmth of his body. “But you didn’t. I’m still right here.”
He brushes a strand of hair from my face, thumb grazing my cheek with such reverence and affection.
I never knew I could be loved so completely, so unconditionally, until this man came into my life. He’s been an anchor while I navigated the last two weeks. A source of strength when I felt like I had none left.
I lift my arms and wrap them around his shoulders, toying with the hair at the nape of his neck.
His gaze softens. “If we’re going work together, I’m going toneed you to please do your best to not get killed.”
I chuckle. “I’ll do my best.”
Nuzzling my nose with his, he lets out a heavy breath. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Which part?”
“All of it. You and me. Iron Eagle. Me losing my fucking mind every time we’re on a mission.”
I laugh because I know that no matter how capable I may be, this man will never change who he is at his core.
“I’m ready for anything, as long as I’m with you.” Another laugh escapes me. “I love you so much, Benson. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”
“As long as I’m breathing, you’ll always be loved because I have never loved anything or anyone as much as I love you.”
He kisses me hard, deep, as if he’s trying to reassure himself that I’m still here with him.
He pulls me in close, my head resting on his chest, his palm cupping the back of my head, and it feels like home.
He’s my home.
With him, I feel safe.
Cherished.
Loved.
But he also makes me feel incredibly secure, and he’s not intimidated by independence or threatened by it. I can belong to this man and myself.
As we stand there, two people who have survived hell. Two souls clinging to the one thing that makes it all worth it, I close my eyes and thank my lucky stars that he gave our love a second chance. That he gave me a second chance, because without him, regardless of how well I can survive on my own, I would be completely lost without him and his unconditional love.
Being back in my childhood home with Karmen is surreal. I have always wanted to bring her home to meet my parents, but after the way things ended the first time, I never allowed myself to dream about it. The last couple of days have been the best of my life. Karmen and I both agreed we needed to get away. We flew into New York the following day and drove the four hours to Cooperstown, where my parents live. We booked a bed-and-breakfast close to their house, and we’ve been spending as much time with them as we can. With the news we got two days ago, I’m glad we made the decision to stay for the entire week.
Mom stands in the kitchen, one hip leaning against the counter as she stirs the pot. It smells like heaven and summons so many childhood memories. Dad hovers nearby. It’s rare to see him more than a few feet from her these days. Like a magnet, he moves closer, one hand on the small of her back.
“Sweetheart,” he murmurs. “Let me take over. You’re supposed to be resting.”
“I am resting,” she replies with a smile, staring up at him as she continues to stir slowly. “See? Barely moving.”
He chuckles, wrapping an arm around her slender waist to pull her in closer. “You know what I mean, woman.”
She sighs, resting her head on his chest. “I can’t sit still. It’s been too long since they’ve all been home at thesame time.”
“I know, baby. Just do me a favor and take it easy, okay?”
She nods as he presses a kiss to the top of her head.
Karmen’s gaze finds mine from where she stands, cutting up potatoes, a small smile on her face. Gentle warmth gathers in my chest at the effortless smile playing on her flawless lips. I’ve never seen her so happy, so genuinely at ease.
I knew my mother would welcome her to the family with open arms, but watching them bond over the last couple of days has been a dream come true. She’s been teaching her how to cook, which is hilarious because Karmen is a disaster in the kitchen. I do most of the cooking at home, and she’s content with that, but she’s been indulging my mother, and I love her for it.
