Page 89 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"I need you too, Shane," she whispers, her voice trembling. "More than I've ever needed anyone."

Relief floods through me, and I pull her against my chest, holding her tight. She buries her face in my neck, and I breathe her in, committing this moment to memory. The softness of her curls against my cheek, the warmth of her body pressed against mine, the way she fits perfectly in my arms.

"I need your strength," she murmurs, her breath warm against my skin. "The way you make me feel safe, even when the world is falling apart around us."

I think back to our time at the ranch and how she looked at me when I stood up to her ex, Jordan. The trust in her eyes, the way she leaned on me. I want to be that for her, always.

Her hands roam over my back, and I suppress a shiver at her touch. "I need your gentleness," she continues. "The way you are with Ashanti, the softness in your eyes when you look at me."

Images flash through my mind: Teaching Ashanti self-defense moves, the pride in Krystal's eyes as she watched us, and the quiet moments in bed when Krystal would trace my scars with gentle fingers, silently accepting every part of me.

My heart races faster, and I tighten my grip on her. "I need your passion," she says, her voice growing stronger. "The fire in your eyes when you're determined, the intensity of your touch when we're alone."

Heat floods my body at her words. I remember our first night together, the desperation in our touches, the way we couldn't get enough of each other. But also the quiet passion, the slow burn of desire that's always simmering between us.

She pulls back slightly, meeting my gaze. "I need your patience," she admits. "The way you've waited for me to be ready, to open up, to let you in."

I think of all the times I wanted to push, to demand more from her. But I knew she needed time, needed to heal from the wounds of her past. And I would have waited forever if that's what she needed.

Tears are flowing down her cheeks now, and it takes everything in me not to wipe them away, to let her finish what she needs to say.

"I need your forgiveness," she whispers. "For the times I've pushed you away, for the walls I've built around my heart."

I cup her face in my hands, gently brushing away her tears with my thumbs. "There's nothing to forgive," I say softly, meaning every word. I understand her fears and her need to protect herself and Ashanti. How could I fault her for that?

But Krystal shakes her head, determined to continue. "I need your understanding," she says. "Of my past, my fears, my doubts. I need your patience as I learn to trust again, to love without fear."

I nod my throat tight with emotion. I think of Jordan and the damage he did to Krystal's ability to trust. I think of my family and the expectations that nearly tore us apart. We both have baggage, but we'll carry it together.

She takes a shaky breath, and I can see her steeling herself for what comes next. "I need your love," she says, barely audible. "All-consuming, earth-shattering, life-changing love. The kind that terrifies me and thrills me in equal measure. The kind that heals hearts."

I feel tears pricking at my own eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in her words. This is Krystal laid bare, offering me everything she is, everything she hopes to be.

"You have it," I say fiercely. "You've had it from the moment I first saw you, covered in grease and cursing at that old tractor."

A watery laugh escapes her at the memory, and I feel my heart swell with love for this amazing woman.

Krystal leans in, pressing her forehead against mine. "I need you to be my partner," she echoes my words from earlier. "My lover, my best friend, my home."

The last word catches in her throat, and I understand why. Home. Something we've both been searching for, something neither of us thought we'd find. For me, home was always a place to escape from. For Krystal, it was something she could never hold onto.

"You are my home," she whispers, and I feel the truth resonates throughout my entire being. "You and Ashanti. You're where I belong."

I can't hold back any longer. I crash my lips into hers, pouring everything I feel into the kiss. It's desperate and hungry, filled with all the words we've been too afraid to say. It's a promise, a vow, a declaration of everything we mean to each other.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily. I rest my forehead against hers, my hands still cupping her face.

"I love you," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "God, Krystal, I love you so much it scares me sometimes."

Krystal closes her eyes, and I watch as the words wash over her. When she opens them again, they're warm, making my heart stutter.

"I love you too," she whispers, and I can hear the wonder in her voice. "More than I ever thought possible."

We stand there for a moment, just holding each other, basking in the love we've found. Then I remember the surprise I have waiting.

"Let's head to the airport," I say, excitement bubbling up inside me. "I have a surprise."

Krystal looks up, curiosity replacing the tears in her eyes. "What kind of surprise?"

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