Page 109 of Follow My Heart

“I don’t mind if people know our history,” I said, even as butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

“The thing is, I want to be part of your present and your future.”

My heart squeezed. I had to know what he was asking. “Aren’t you moving back to Virginia?”

Ryder’s lips quirked and his gaze was so tender, his touch reverent as he tucked my hair behind my ear. “My life is here with you.”

My heart beat erratically. “What about Faith?”

Ryder inclined his head so that it felt like our conversation was private. “She wants me to live here. She loves being close to my family and you.”

“I thought you wanted to move into your family home in Virginia?” I asked, wanting to be sure I understood what he was saying.

“I was never happy there. It wouldn’t be good for me or Faith to go back there.”

“So you’re home for good?”

“When I threatened to delay the divorce hearing, Stacy realized I was serious about living in Maryland. Faith told her how she felt too. Stacey agreed to negotiate a different schedule, one where Faith will live with me during the school year and visit her every other weekend.”

“Wow. I wasn’t expecting Stacy to give in.”

“I think she’s overwhelmed with Phil and his boys, and it’s easier this way.”

“How does Faith feel?”

Ryder chuckled. “Relieved and excited.”

“I’m happy if you are,” I said carefully, not quite ready to draw any conclusions about what he’d said.

“I’m not quite there yet.”

“No?” I asked, relaxing only slightly.

His hand drifted down my arm, sending tingles through my body. Then he interlaced his fingers with mine. “Let’s go somewhere we can be by ourselves.”

He led me into the kitchen where we could be alone. He flicked on the overhead light and shut and locked the door. “I know you’re the woman of the hour out there. But I just need a few minutes to ensure you know where I stand.”

“Where is that?” I asked as I leaned against the counter, and he stood in front of me.

“I’m in love with you, Violet. I have been for a while. I might have started falling in second grade when you were so confident and sure of yourself. You wanted me, and you weren’t shy about claiming what you wanted.”

I grinned at the memory.

“I’m sorry I shut you out the last few days. The custody stuff twisted me up inside, and I let Stacy call too many of the shots. But I know what I want now. I want you and Faith in my life. I want to live near my family. I want to see George on my morning runs.”

“I want that too.”

“I realized that I was letting Stacy take too much control of my life. I need to do that for myself, and I don’t want to go through it alone again. I want you by my side.”

I nodded, not quite trusting my voice.

“In second grade, you were the one who did the asking, but now, I have something I need to ask you.”

He dropped to one knee, and I sucked in a sharp breath. “Will you marry me this time for real, Violet? Will you create more dreams with me?”

“Yes.” I tugged on his hand until he was standing and threw my arms around his neck.

Then he was kissing me, and finally my world righted. This was exactly where I wanted to be.

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