Page 82 of Securing Samantha

“He wanted to protect you and the only way he knew how was to let you go. Samantha, I want the kind of love you feel right now when you stare at this house. Your entire world is inside. If it doesn’t work out and two days from now or six months from now, you come find me. But when you return, I want to know I’m the only man in your heart.”

She stepped back. “I never meant to hurt you. What about the business? I can’t work from here.”

Bryan laughed. “Have you heard of video calls? If you need to make a trip, we can arrange it. We’ll work it out. He built this for you. I can’t imagine the amount of love it took for him to give me his blessing because he wants you to be happy. Even if it means he lost you. A love like this doesn’t come along all the time. Fight for it.” He pressed his nose to hers. She smiled through the tears.

“I hope you find it too, Bryan. I tried to fight it. But he’s my home. Thank you for helping me realize it.”

“Goodbye, Samantha O’Neil. Go put the man out of his misery.” Bryan turned and opened the car door. She watched him get in and back down the driveway.

She stared at the house as her heart pounded. She swiped at the tears. The urgency to get to him, the need to tell him she loved him overwhelmed her. She ran for the front door.

“Whiskey! Whiskey!” she yelled in the hallway. Whiskey rounded the glass area and stood at the edge of the kitchen.

“What is it, lass?” He prepared to fight whatever caused her grief.

She stopped in the hallway. Whiskey stood at the kitchen’s edge.

“Do you love me?” she asked.

Whiskey straightened. “With all my heart, lass.”

“I’m scared. You hurt me.” She hiccuped.

“Aye, I did. I was a fool. I’ll never hurt you again.” Whiskey took a step into the kitchen. Samantha took a step forward.

“We’ve changed. I’m not the same woman you married.” She stopped and pressed the back of her head against the wall, torn between running to him or running away.

He nodded and swallowed hard.

“I’m not the same man. But I know you’re my Sunshine. I watched the sunrise for you every day.” He took another step. She moved one forward.

“I’ve worked hard to find me. I hoped if I found my flame it would lead me back to you.” His words burned into her soul as he took another step.

“Did you find me?” Samantha took another step forward.

“I found me first. I thought Liam died. But I discovered he lived for you. I live for you.”

“How can I be sure this is real? You mean everything you’re saying?” she asked. Samantha’s feet rooted to the floor. Her heart beat faster. Her breath came out shaky as she waited for him to reply.

He took his phone out and hit a couple of buttons. He stepped to the center of the kitchen and waited. The song “You’re the One” began to play filling the room with music. Whiskey placed his phone in his pocket and held his arms out.

“Hello, Sunshine.”

Samantha’s breath hitched as she recognized her husband. She walked slowly into his arms. Closing her eyes in relief, her journey began and ended with him.

“Hello, my flame.” she answered breathlessly.

He took his phone out and tapped a message. “I just texted Chase. LJ’s staying the night.” he told her.

“Oh? What will we be doing?” she asked as he swayed her to the music.

“I’m dancing with my lovely bride, feeding her a wonderful meal, and then I plan to make love to her until the sun comes up,” he whispered in her ear.

She leaned back to search his face. “But Whiskey, we aren’t married.”

“I didn’t have the heart to turn the papers in. But I want us to take the time to get to know each other and recommit once you realize your heart will always be secure with me.”

She smiled as he pulled her against him and sang in her ear. She closed her eyes and put her arms around his neck.

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