Page 99 of Wilde In His Arms

She nodded.“I was the moment I met you.”

He crushed her to his chest and kissed her like he’d never get to do it again, like she meant everything to him, like he’d never get enough of her.Because that would never happen.

Aria hugged him close.“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.

“For what?”

“Making my dreams come true.”

“You are my every dream and fantasy, sweetheart.”He held her tighter, his heart so full it felt like it might burst with happiness.

She’d changed his life.She made his life worth living.

Every day wouldn’t be easy, but with her by his side, they could get through anything.And together, they’d be happy.

He picked her up and spun her around again just so he could see her smile and hear her laugh.Best thing he’d ever seen or heard in his life.He felt lighter than he’d ever felt in his life.

Now all he had to do was make them official.

Chapter forty-three

AriaandNickhadflown to Montana to see Stacy in person.They wanted to check on her and ask her a big question.

Nick pulled up to the house with the weathered paint and shutters.Maybe the house needed some work, but the yard was green, and it had a basketball and soccer ball on the lawn to go with the purple kid’s bike on the driveway.Flowerpots lined the three steps up to the porch.The bright, cheerful blooms welcomed everyone.So did the sign on the door.“This Mess Is Blessed.”

It made Aria smile and feel like this was a good place for Stacy.For now.

Nick put his hand over her thigh.“This place seems nice.Kid friendly.”

The front door opened and Stacy came rushing out, bounding down the stairs and across the small yard to the curb.

Aria’s smile notched up and her heart beat faster.She climbed out of the car and opened her arms to Stacy, letting Stacy come to her for the hug if she wanted it.

Stacy leapt into her arms.“You’re finally here.I’ve been waiting for you.”

Nick climbed out of the car, hurried around it as best he could limping on his bad leg, and caught Stacy around her back as she wrapped her arms around his legs.He winced when she hit his injury, but he didn’t complain.His smile and bright eyes said he didn’t care.

Happy tears gathered in Stacy’s eyes.“I can’t believe you’re both here.”

Aria looked into Stacy’s pretty green eyes and saw the joy and excitement there.“I missed you.How are you?”

“I’m good.”She turned back toward the house, where the foster mom, Anne, sat on the top step keeping watch.

“You look great.”Aria loved her adorable black coveralls, white T-shirt, and black sneakers.

Stacy’s smile faltered.“I miss the others.”

Aria put her hand on Stacy’s shoulder.“I know you do.You’ve seen them during your therapy, right?”

“Yes.It’s just not the same.”Stacy dug the toe of her shoe into the grass.

Nick held his hand out.“Let’s sit on the stairs and talk.”

Stacy walked with them and took a seat with her foster mom.Aria and Nick exchanged hellos with Anne and sat with Stacy between them.

Nick started the real conversation they were here to have with her.“Do you like it here?”

“Yeah.It’s okay.But it’s temporary, right?”

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