Page 53 of Carly's Heart

Her heart clenched and warmth pooled around her heart. “What if I hadn’t divorced?”

“I guess I’d try to find someone who’d measure up, though I doubt it would happen. I feel like you are my soul mate and that there isn’t another person on earth meant for me. More likely I’d have spent the rest of my life alone.”

“I can’t decide if that is romantic or pathetic.”

He squeezed her hands. “Probably both. I’m serious Carly. I am nothing without you and if having nothing is what it takes to be with you, to love you, and marry you, and be a father to Layla, I’ll give up everything I own and start fresh. As long as I have you by my side, I’ll be happy. Just tell me if you want to take a chance on me and I’ll give up everything for you.”

Giddiness grew in her heart. Love washed over her like a warm blanket. Could she do this? Could she accept who he was, as he was, and be with him and see where it went? Two thirds of her wanted to throw herself into his arms and declare her love. The other third was shaking in fear of giving herself to another man, of marrying again.

She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. Love and sincerity shone there like beacons of hope. She burrowed deep into her emotions. She loved him. Oh, who was she kidding? She’d been in love with him for years. She’d avoided him because she was nervous and scared of another disastrous marriage.

Birch was steady, stable. She’d never seen him drink to excess. He was dependable and adorable. Hot and sexy. He had a great sense of humor and adored her daughter. He was, in a nutshell the perfect man for her.

Taking a leap of faith, she said, “Yes, Birch. I’ll take a chance on you.”

Instead of the smile she expected, he frowned and pulled out his phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling my lawyer to set the wheels in motion. I’m selling everything and giving the proceeds to charity.”

She yanked the phone out of his hand. “What? Don’t be hasty. I think that since you’d live in poverty for me, I can try being rich for you.” She winced. “That sounded so mercenary. I love you, Birch Brighton. Let’s take this relationship on a ride and see where it goes.”

“Carly Johnston, you’ve just made me the happiest man on earth. I’ve waited years for this. I’m going to kiss you now.” For a moment, she got lost in the deep depths of his brown eyes and the love shining there.

As he leaned toward her, every cell in her body exploded to life. Euphoria stole her breath. He wasn’t the only one who’d waited years for this. She nibbled her lip, still too nervous to take the move to bring their mouths together. What if there was no spark? What if the only reason she needed him all this time had been because she couldn’t have him.

“Damn the torpedoes,” she whispered and closed the distance between them.

His lips were soft and firm against hers. They pressed against each other; heads titled slightly for perfect contact. No fumbling, no awkwardness, just pure perfection.

Sparks jumped from her lips to her brain and skittered down her spine to her fingers and toes. Bells rang and angels sang. Her entire being came to life. Body, heart, mind, and soul. She gasped against the onslaught of sensation as bliss and belonging rolled through her.

Her heart pounded in her chest, its beat echoed in her ears for an immeasurable time until she lost herself in the love and caring flowing from Birch.

This was where she belonged.

She slid her arms around him and up his back. Her fingers bumped his hat off and tangled in his hair. She gripped the silken strands and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss until she felt she could crawl inside him and live there.

His hands gripped her hips, holding her in place. He pushed and pulled against her mouth. Giving, taking. Building the tension between them and backing off and building again. They kissed until she was breathless. She pulled back and rested her head on his chest gasping. His breathing was harsh in her ears.

“Wow!” she said.

“Holy cannoli,” he mumbled, and kissed the top of her head.

She swallowed hard. “I guess we’re kiss compatible.”

Birch’s chuckle tickled something inside her and she laughed with him.

“Definitely compatible.” He tipped her head up and met her eyes. “So perfect.” He brushed his head against hers.

“I think we should cool it. Because if I kiss you again right now, I won’t be able to stop myself.”

She nodded, unable to find more words in the jumble of her mind. He scooped her in his arms and carried her to the blanket he’d laid out in the shade.

“Lunch and then more kissing.” He paused. “If that suits the princess.”

“Yes, dear horseman, that suits me just fine.”

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