Grabbing his button-down shirt and pulling him closer, I answered, “A little possessive, are we? What if I want to just make sure…”
His growl made me force down my bubbling laugh as he narrowed his eyes and looked down at me.
“Did you wake up this morning and choose violence, Vicky? I won’t push you any further than what we’ve said today. But understand me when I say you’re mine and I’m yours. End of story.”
Our next kiss was filled with passion and promise as my arms entangled around his neck, my fingers touching the strands of his sandy-blond hair at the nape of it.
“Daddy, I’m home. What are you doing here in the middle of the day?” MJ yelled. I jumped, but Miles held me in place. She still hadn’t seen us as she was slipping out of her shoes at the door. He was facing the door, but I could hear when it closed.
“Hey, kiddo. Mom. Thanks for picking her up for her half day,” he said casually, like he was asking them to pass the butter, as I whimpered in embarrassment.
“Daddy…who is…?” Her words stopped, and I heard Angelica gasp.
I leaned over his wide shoulder and waved with my fingers. “Hi, MJ.”
“Vicky! You’re here,” she exclaimed, running toward me. Miles let me go so I could pull her into my arms. “I can’t believe this. How did you, I mean, when?”
She had grown so tall, and along with that, so had my love for her. “Just last night. I wanted to see you guys. I missed you so much. I’ve loved your letters, but this is so much better.”
She stepped back so I could look her over. “Look at you, you’re practically a teenager,” I said, ignoring the groan from Miles.
Looking over her head, I smiled at Angelica, who was walking up to me, her arms open for a hug.
“I knew you were meant for him. God has answered my prayers,” she whispered in my ear.
“Mine, too.”
“Vicky, you still have your bracelet,” MJ said excitedly when she saw mine peeking out from my shirt. She showed me hers, and Miles did the same.
“I’ve never taken it off,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. “You’ve been right here with me. This and your letters.”
“Are you here for work or just a visit?” she asked expectantly. I looked at Miles, who nodded.
Turning back to MJ, I said, “I’m moving back to San Diego. I’ll be working here full-time now. I’m not going anywhere for a long time.”
Her eyes were as wide as her open mouth before a squeal that could be heard on the East Coast barreled out of her.
“I knew it! I knew my wish and prayer on that tree the day you left would come true!”
We all laughed as she jumped up and down, looking more like the little girl I’d left two years ago.
“I’m glad you’re happy I’m staying. I wouldn’t want to do anything you didn’t want,” I said.
“We want you here. All the time. I told you already. You’re a part of our family.” I felt the sting of tears again when she turned to her father. “See, Daddy. She did choose us.”
I looked at Miles. His smile told me he’d explain later. “Yes, you’re right, sweet girl. I was given a choice. Here or Rome. And I chose here. I chose you both.”
“Then stay forever,” she said, hugging me tightly.
three months later
. . .
Miles
When I saw Vicky at that wishing tree a few months ago, two things became clear instantly. Living without her was no longer an option, and even if she wasn’t ready to marry right away, I knew I needed her like I needed my next breath. Asking her to marry me someday was something I couldn’t delay any longer.
True to her word, Elena had opened up a spot for Vicky at her old office. There was no surprise that she’d started off with inquiries almost right away and was doing well with rebuilding her client list.
