The older woman took Rae's hand. What would they do now? Then he remembered what the choir had been singing. A tiny trickle of hope tried to worm its way into Dylan’s heart, but he pushed it back. This couldn’t be anything more than Amelia having talked Rae into participating in a flash mob. Then why was his heart galloping?
Rae’s gaze found his with an intensity that took away his breath. The choir sang the lyrics from the beginning, but she didn’t join in. She merely looked at him. Could she be saying she thought the lyrics about him? His body went warm, and he was finding it hard to breathe.
Then the song made a key change to a lower range, and Rae joined into the singing with her lovely alto voice. She slowly raised an arm to point in his direction. Dylan glanced over his shoulder and blinked. Behind him stood Jason and Jasmine. Most of the rest of the Green Pest Control staff were gathered behind them. Jason shot Dylan an irritated scowl and gestured for him to face forward again. He did.
The choir stopped singing, and Rae took the melody while Amelia sang an amazing descant around it. She dropped off so Rae sang the final words, also the song’s title, alone, holding his gaze the whole time. Shewassinging this to him.
Dylan had to wipe at his eyes in order to see her. Amelia handed Rae a mic, and she swallowed, her hands trembling even worse than they had when she’d been singing. Was she going to do a whole song solo now? He wished he could have been there to support her like she’d done for him during the office announcement. But she spoke instead.
“I was wrong, Dylan. I was stupid not to admit to myself what a wonderful man you are. I was foolish. I hurt you, and I’m sorry.”
He stood, wanting to take the pain from her face. No, she wasn’t foolish or stupid. She was a loving mother intent on protecting her children who’d already lost so much.
Shaking his head, he moved toward her. He’d been disappointed in her decision, but he’d understood the fear that had driven it. He’d do the same thing, if necessary, to protect Jayden. Dylan knew Rae was a woman who’d love that little boy as though he were her own. Because she already did.
“I meant the words of the song. It’s soyou.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
Dylan moved faster. He had to hold her, to comfort her, to let her know he forgave her. Amelia signaled for him to stop a couple of paces before Rae. He did, though it was hard.
“Can you forgive me?” Rae’s expression about broke him. She thoughthewas going to reject her.
“Oh, Rae, I know you didn’t want to hurt me. I understand, so there’s nothing to forgive.”
Rae licked her lips, and for a second he thought she might drop the mic. “I want what you offered.”
Dylan’s heart soared. He didn’t wait for Amelia’s permission but leaped forward to pull Rae into his arms. He pressed his lips to hers, with the sound of the mall crowd screaming and clapping around them. Dylan wanted to kiss her forever, but suddenly Micah appeared with the three children. The Littles ran forward, with Beth clinging to the older man’s hand while trying to pull free.
“Daddy. Daddy,” Beth cried.
Dylan kissed Rae one more time and picked up the little girl.
“Mama, you kissed Dillie,” Preston said, looking up at both of them. “Is he going to be our new daddy?”
Rae looked at him, her eyes shining again. “He hasn’t said.”
“Heck, yeah!” Dylan cried. “I don't want anything more than to be Beth, Preston, and Jayden’s dad. Andyourhusband.” He kissed her again while the Littles jumped around whooping.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Amelia said, giving each of them a hug and then pinning Rae with a frustrated mock-glare, one Dylan was glad wasn’t being directed at him. “You made the right decision, hon.”
“Then you two are engaged?” Jasmine asked, giving Rae a hug.
“Yes,” Dylan said again and gave his fiancée a quick peck. He wanted to take her into his arms and really kiss her, but with the Littles flitting around them, Beth holding onto his ear, and everyone trying to congratulate them, he’d have to be patient. He’d gotten good at that.
Epilogue
Rae put the last decoration on the cake and stepped back. Her birthday this year had been very different from last year’s. Dylan had gone out of his way to spoil her. It was like all the months he’d wanted to show her how he felt had grown inside him until they burst out. She gave a happy sigh.
He’d wanted to get married right away, saying he’d waited long enough—if she were willing. She had been. He and Amelia had done all the planning. Dylan and Rae had chosen Lake Tahoe. They’d had a shoreline wedding followed by a dinner cruise with their friends and family.
Mr. Rademaker had been quite nice and had even offered to take Jayden for the honeymoon. Dylan had insisted the children needed to stay together, and his father had agreed. Rae had suggested her new father-in-law keep the children for only one night. Amelia’s grandchildren would be visiting her house, and she’d offered to take them for the rest of the honeymoon. Mr. Rademaker had seemed relieved, but she appreciated he was trying.
Outside came the sound of children’s voices followed by little feet stomping up the stairs. Rae hurried to the sink to wash her hands. She was drying them as she stepped into the living room. The door burst open, and the children ran to her.
“Mama, look what Daddy got for dinner,” Jayden cried. Every time the little boy called her that, her eyes burned.
“Come see.” Preston took her hand and brought her to where Dylan stood with a box.
The heat in his gaze made Rae’s cheeks flush. They’d only been married three weeks, so they were technically still on their honeymoon. She hoped she could keep this fire burning for a long time.
