Blaze felt as if someone had just knifed him in the gut and he was bleeding to death. His body was numb. He’d laid himself bare and she’d rejected him. He wouldn’t do it again—wouldn’t beg her to stay. He had his pride. He nodded stiffly and then turned away to head back to the bedroom.
“I couldn’t stay here for them,” she said before he could get away. “But I could stay here for you. I will stay here for you. I told you I loved you too. I meant it. I’ve been without a family for too long. You’re my family, Blaze. You’re my husband, for better or worse.”
He let out a long, ragged breath and moved to her, taking her in his arms. “You scared the life out of me. I thought you were leaving for good. I love you.”
“I know you do,” she said. “New York isn’t my home. I knew this place was my home the moment I laid eyes on you. I’ve never told anyone this, but my great-grandmother told me when I was a little girl that I’d meet my perfect match one day. That he’d be my equal in every way, and that there was nothing in this world or the next that could keep us separated. I felt my life shift into focus the moment I saw you. It was as if my world had been tilted and suddenly righted itself. And I just knew.”
“Laurel Valley is always in need of another good cop,” he said. “What do you say to that?”
“I say one step at a time, Sheriff O’Hara. One step at a time. But feel free to love me in the meantime.”
“Always,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.