Fidget does not like that idea.
“I’m not giving up my house,” I counter.
“Fine, then I guess we’re all moving into your house, Winnie,” Fitz tells me. “One big happy family.”
“It will be nice to have a man around. We can fix up that garden in the back.” Mom beams.
“It is looking pretty raggedy, Winnie,” Gran tells me. “I hate to say it.”
“So, Winnie.” Fitz nuzzles me. “Are you moving in with me, or am I moving in with you?”
“No one is moving in until my daughter has a ring on her finger,” my mom says shrilly.
“Great, let’s go get married right now.” Fitz kisses my hand.
I start to cry.
“Oh, Winnie!” Kathy reaches for me.
“Sorry.” I sob. “Sorry. I’m fine.”
“It’sthe stress of everything.” Mom tries to wipe at my face. “Mark, get her some water.”
“She needs tea, April.”
“She needs a good stiff brandy,” Gran declares.
“I love you, Winnie. I’ll never let anything happen to you.” Fitz’s voice is low, rough. He holds me tighter. “You’re safe now. Laura and her fiancé are in jail,” he murmurs against my hair. “He’s off the team. Knox is gone—I sent him to northern Canada. You’re safe. I’ll never let anything happen to you. I love you.”
The words hit me with impact—beautiful, terrifying, enormous.
Like he’s offering me everything.
“I’ll give away all my stuff, if it would make you happy. Not my brothers, though.” He waits a beat. “Well… some of them can go.”
A watery laugh escapes me. “Oh god.”
But he’s looking at me—waiting.
I can feel him waiting for me to say it back.
And my stupid throat closes up.
“I know,” I whisper. “I know. I just—” I swipe at my face, annoyed at how messy I am. “I thought… I thought you and Kathy were—” I choke on it. “It’s stupid.”
He takes my hand. Warm. Unbelievably steady.
“Guys always want her instead of me,” I admit, voice small. “I guess I didn’t really believe you’d actually… like me. Want me.”
His brows pull together like I’ve physically hurt him. “Creampuff. You’re the only woman I want. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.” He takes my hands. “I love you.”
“I love you too. God, that feels crazy to say. I never told a guy I loved him before.” I wipe my eyes.
Fitz kisses me.
“I love you,” I whisper against his mouth.
And then—like he can’t help himself—he grumbles, “And Kathy was helping me plan your engagement, by the way. Which you completely ruined, so… good job.”
