Page 109 of One Last Promise

“Moose—”

“No, Tillie. Really. I’m not being overly hard on myself. I was to blame. And the worst part is that Pike gave me his entire inheritance. Even after I told him my part. He still did it, and . . . I know I don’t deserve any of it.”

“Because you got him into that mess?”

“Yes, and because his son is the rightful heir, not me. I promised Pike I’d find him, and I tried, but the lawyers hadn’t a clue where he was. The truth is, I am ashamed that I haven’t found him. It’s a promise that burns inside me. And if I’m honest, there’s a part of me that fears that if I do find him . . . ”

“You’ll lose what Pike gave you.”

He nodded. “O ye of little faith.” He gave a wry shake of his head. “I should start listening to my own preaching.”

“God is not a joker?”

“Yes. Although, there’s a part of me knows I don’t deserve any of this.”

She touched his hand. “Moose. From where I sit, I see a man whoGod can count on.”

“Working on that. But sometimes I do feel over my head. Wondering why I’m in charge.”

“I don’t know. I like it when you’re in charge.”

He smiled then, something languid and even a little dangerous. And then, as if he could read her mind, he reached for her mug, set it on the deck, and tugged her over to him.

She got up and settled into his lap in the Adirondack chair. “What are you doing?”

“Being in charge.” Then he lifted his face to hers, and she couldn’t stop herself from leaning down and kissing him.

He tasted of chocolate and smelled of flannel, and with the twilight dropping softly around them, she was there, in the happy place she didn’t deserve.

But so craved.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt one of his around her waist, the other hand around the back of her neck, holding her there, as if he feared she might pull away. But he kept his kiss gentle, even while nudging her mouth for more.

And sure, she’d kissed him in the cave, but that was different. This was Moose holding her, giving over a piece of himself, but also the sense of being swept up, carried.

Moose’s thumb ran down her cheek, striking a flame deep inside her, and even as he kept his kiss light, he made a soft sound in the depths of his chest and deepened his kiss.

And right then she knew.

She loved this man. Had for months, or longer, but here, right here, the truth of it found her soul and settled in.

She loved his patience, his smile, the way he reached out to rescue, and even, yes, his faith. Loved the fierceness in his eyes when she needed him, and the strength of his hands in hers. She loved that he didn’t push but always stayed, and never let her forget she wasn’t alone.

This man. He washer happy place.

She lifted her head, met his eyes. His gaze roamed her face, then fixed on hers. And then he smiled.

Such a beautiful, explosive smile, it landed in her heart, practically blew it up as it swept through her.

Then, “I—” he started, but Axel opened the door.

“Guys, you need to—oops, sorry.”

Moose looked over at him. “Better be good, Lugnut.”

Axel gave a wry grin. “I think we found something. But by all means, carry on.”

Tillie was already untangling herself from Moose, however, getting up.

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