Page 196 of Contentious

“How is that possible?”

“It’s you. All you.”

As she looked down at him gazing up at her with so much love, she was overcome with a feeling of peace and contentment the likes of which she’d never known before.

“It’s all you, all us,” she said.

His smile lit up his handsome face and gorgeous eyes framed with thick lashes that every woman she knew would kill for.

She hoped she got to look at that face through every stage of life.

He’d made her believe they could have it all, and as she gently moved her hips, she wanted everything with this perfectly imperfect man, who’d risked his life—twice—to protect her and her son.

“Carson…”

“What, honey?”

“I just… I really love you.”

“I really love you, too.”

“Are you scared?”

He shook his head. “If I’d fallen for anyone but you, I’d be terrified, but you… Loving you and Ty is the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t wait to do it forever.”

“That’s a long time.”

“Won’t be long enough.”

She dropped her head to his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her as they moved slowly and carefully, wallowing in the pleasure of their undeniable connection and the promise of forever.

Epilogue

Carson felt up to driving them to Santa Barbara the following Sunday. The previous weekend, Carson had enjoyed seeing Ty play hockey for the first time. Ty had been practicing his pop-ups in the backyard every night after dinner and was definitely getting the hang of it.

Due to the kidnapping and the fact that Marlon had fired first, the LAPD had declined to file charges against Carson for shooting Marlon. They’d returned his Glock to him the day before. It was locked in the glove box in case he needed it, but hopefully he’d never have to shoot anyone again.

In the back seat, Spencer was teaching Ty how to play gin rummy.

“It’s all about collecting books of four, my friend.”

“What does that mean?”

Spencer patiently explained the rules of the game and suggested they play a round, showing their cards so Spence could coach him.

Ty took to it quickly, and by the time they reached Santa Barbara, he was up three games to one.

“His points count toward my score,” Carson said.

“You wish, chump. This young man is a quick learner.”

“My mom says I always have been.”

“That’s a good way to be. Write down the score, and we’ll keep track over time the way I do with Carson. I’m ahead of him by nineteen hundred and twenty-two points.”

Ty cracked up laughing. “You stink at this game, Carson.”