Page 99 of Last Chance

“I love you. Is that clear enough?”

Janie stared. “Say it again.”

“I love you.” When she opened her mouth to blurt out that she loved him as well, Sawyer placed two fingers over her mouth to stop the words. “No. Say nothing right now. Think about it. Give me a chance to win your heart, Janie.”

“But….”

“Wait. Please. I’m not rushing you for an answer. I only wanted you to know where I stand, and I’m willing to wait as long as it takes. Just don’t tell me no.” Vulnerability showed in the depths of his eyes.

She couldn’t leave him in limbo while they figured out who wanted to kidnap or kill her.

Janie cupped his face with her hands. “Sawyer, stop.”

His face drained of blood.

“Look at me, love.”

He stilled, gaze locked with hers.

“I love you, Sawyer. More than I ever thought possible in such a brief span of time. But during the past few days, you’ve shown me your heart. It’s time I showed you mine. I adore you, and I know to the depths of my being that you’re the only man for me.”

Relief flooded Sawyer’s face, and he captured her mouth with his. Long moments later, he said, “Thank you for trusting me with your heart.”

She smiled. “How could I not?”

“Any chance you’ll marry me in a few weeks?”

Weeks? Whoa! Sawyer Chapman didn’t waste time when he wanted something. “I want time to really get to know you and meet your family. I also want to be available to help David if he’ll allow it.”

“No problem.”

She leaped into the unknown, praying she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life. “In that case, yes, Sawyer. I’ll marry you.”

He leaped to his feet, tugged Janie to hers, wrapped her in his arms, and swung her around. “Yes!” Sawyer stopped mid-swing and set her back on her feet. An odd expression was on his face.

“What is it?”

“I messed up.”

She blinked. “How?” Had he changed his mind already?

“I should have talked to the men in your family first.”

Men? “David’s in a coma. You can’t talk to him.” Hopefully soon, though. Unfortunately, David was combative when Sawyer confronted him in the coffee shop. He wasn’t likely to change his mind this fast. “He wasn’t your biggest fan.”

“I planned to tell him, not ask his permission.” He swallowed hard. “It’s Brent I’m worried about.”

“Brent?”

“He’s the closest male family member you have. Correct?”

Sawyer was right. Brent was family. “Yes.”

“I have to ask his permission.”

“Are you worried he’ll turn you down?”

He shook his head.

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