Page 63 of Baby Bodyguard

“Yes.”

She closed the distance between them. Barefoot and determined, she stood before him, adynamic package of unstinting love. She expressed it in every movement, every breath and sound and look. It was in the wayward curls and the hopeful green eyes, the tremulous smile and musical clatter of her bracelets.

“I love you, Noah Hawke.” She slipped her arms around his neck and waited. Releasing an impatient sigh, she prompted, “Now in case you didn’t know the proper procedure here, you’re supposed to say, ‘I love you, too, Sami Fontaine.”’

“Not quite yet. Your mother told me I gave you the worst marriage proposal of any she’s ever heard.”

“Not to brag, but I suspect my mother could be considered an expert on the subject.”

“Since I’m not planning on proposing marriage ever again, let me see if I can improve over last time.”

A smile trembled free. “Give it your best shot.”

He slipped his hands into sunshine, her curls wrapping around his fingers. And then he slanted his mouth over pure rapture. He took his time, easing the hurt with passionate understanding, proving in the only way he knew how they were destined to share a rare and special love. She was so precious to him, awoman who held his life in her tender hands.

He’d been a lone wolf long enough. He was mated to this woman, as surely as though she’d been imprinted on his soul. And he intended to stay by her side for the rest of their days.He waited until the comforting balm of his kiss had eased her distress, before pullingback.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, sweetheart. Aman shouldn’t hurt the woman he loves. And I do love you, Sami.” He could have let it go at that. But she deserved more. Far more. “I’ve always known that someday I’d find the woman I’d spend the rest of my life with. You’re my joy. My future. My life. And one day soon, Ihope you’ll be the mother of my children. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I ever will need. Marry me, Sami.”

Tears filled her eyes. “No one, not even Babe, has had such a perfect proposal. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“No more fears?”

“None. Not anymore.”

He nodded in satisfaction. “Fair warning. Iwon’t be satisfied until you have every one of those six children you’ve always wanted.”

Her smile turned impish. “Promise?”

“I always keep my promises.” He hesitated. “I also have a confession to make.”

She sighed. “Another one?”

“I had Loner get rid of the baby-makers in the hallway.”

“Er…Noah?”

“What is it, honey?”

“Those weren’t potential baby-makers. Remember my conversation with Reggie? Working with Widget has been such a success, I’ve decided to expand my job placement project. Those were people I was interviewing for the position.”

“I have a suggestion. Forget them and hire Reggie. Asuccessful business can always use a good detail man. Besides, Ithink he’ll feel better receiving a salary than charity, don’t you?”

“Not that he’ll need it.”

Noah lifted an eyebrow. “You don’t think so?”

She grinned. “Not if Babe has her way. Isuspect Mother’s sixth and last marriage is in the offing.” Catching Noah’s hand in hers, she started toward the door. “Come on, buster. We have work to do.”

“Work?” Damn. “Don’t you want to celebrate our engagement first?”

“I sure do. Ithought we’d celebrate by practicing.”

“Practicing?”

She glanced over her shoulder, filling his life with the joy of her laughter. “If we’re going to have six kids, we can use all the practice we can get, don’t you think?”

He swept her into his arms and carried her into the foyer. “Honey, forget about thinking. Isuggest we get right to the doing.”

In the distance he heard Loner howl, along, oddly happy sound. And then, to his astonishment the call was answered.

“That reminds me,” Sami said, linking her fingers at the base of his neck. “We have new neighbors. And they have the oddest-looking dog. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was a wolf. Afemale, if I’m not mistaken.”

Noah sighed. “By the sound of things, we might have to change Loner’s name.”

“I suspect you’re right.” She dropped her head to his shoulder. “How does Mr. and Mrs. Woof grab you?”

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