Mark’s head shakes slightly. “I’m not sure. For years, I’ve been deployed, have gone on quick missions, and even been stationed out of reach of my family for months on end. But this little in-and-out I’m doing for Riggs hits different.”
“Is it because you’re getting used to being with your girls now?” I suggest.
A long and steady breath escapes as he just stares into the phone.
When I don’t say anything, he eventually rolls his lower lip under his teeth and shakes his head slowly. “Truth?” He finally shrugs.
“No, lie to me. It always works out so well that way,” I playfully snark.
“God, you are adorable when you’re being a brat.” He chuckles, then he quickly adds, “This right here is why I blame you, Faye.”
“Me? What did I do?” I guffaw in defense.
Rolling his eyes, he smirks adorably. “You made me fall for you.”
“Good to know I’m not the only one, Lancaster. I’m a master at compartmentalization. Otherwise, I wouldn’t get a thing done now that I know you’re living next door.”
“I used to be the same way… until now. I swear, it’s like my feelings for you all those years ago just lay dormant and were revitalized with a vengeance the second I saw you again. Only this time, I’m an adult and know better than to dismiss them.”
If that doesn’t hit like a ton of bricks, I’m not sure what else would.
“Wait… Dismiss them? What are you talking about?”
“I’m saying...” He pauses to readjust the phone that’s propped up in front of him. Once he settles, he continues, “I was in love with you when you pushed me away all those years ago.”
“I—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“If you hadn’t pushed me away, I wouldn’t have my girls or my career, for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. I love them to the ends of the earth. I have zero regrets. I’m a firm believer in everything happening for a reason.”
“Then what is it?” I ask, not following his train of thought.
“In just a week of having you back in my life, I know without a doubt, I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. Yes, I loved Sarah, to a point… After all, she’s the mother of my children. I’ll always be grateful to her. But there’s a reason it fizzled out eventually.”
Tears prick the back of my eyes as I listen to him declare his love for me.
“Faye, you are truly the only person I’ve ever been completely, 1000 percent, irrevocably in love with.”
“Oh, Mark…” I sigh. My chest tightens from my heart growing so big that it can barely contain itself. My throat thickens, and I can’t process enough words to adequately explain my feelings for this wonderfully sexy and direct man.
One of the things I love most about him is that I’ve never had to wonder where I stand with him.
Holy shit, this man loves me—just as much as I love him.
As if he can sense I’m struggling to find the words, he arches a brow and says, “I’m hoping you’re on the same page because if you feel even an ounce of what I do for you, I’m telling you now, I’m all in.”
For the longest time, all I can do is stare.
A million thoughts fly through my head, but I only land on one.
“Ditto, Mark.” Finally, the words come out in a whisper. “We’re on the same page.”
A wicked grin plays at his lips, and his fingers steeple under his chin. “That just leaves us with one minor little thing.”
“What’s that?” I’m confused by his expression.
“It’s time you met my wonderful, wild, and chaotic family.”
“Oh, no pressure there,” I deadpan.
