Page 73 of Secret Baby
She ran his hands up his chest and cupped his cheek. The water in her eyes unmanned him as she whispered, "I can't stay without knowing."
His lips parted. How did she not know? Adrenaline fueled his dreams that she jumpstarted.
"I love you. You're in my every heartbeat, Victoria Morgan. It's always been you."
She choked on her tears. His entire body thrashed as he wrapped his arms around her. He'd not lose her now. Then she snuggled into his arms and hugged him. "Colt, why didn't you tell me?"
The smell of strawberries undid him. He held her close and rocked her gently. "I felt guilty."
She took her head out of his neck and met his gaze. "And now?"
Every second seemed like a moment he had to remember forever as he reached into his pocket. Then he opened the box. "I'll be lost if you don't marry me."
She peeked at his hand and then her hand left his side to cover her lips. She dropped her hand and softly picked up her ring. "Marry you?"
His hands itched to slip it on her finger. He nodded and waited for permission. "Yes, Vicki. I need you."
A huge smile grew on her lips, and she jumped in his arms. "Colt, yes."
His own heart contracted. This was the moment. He took the ring from her. "Yes what?"
She held out her hand to let him place the ring on her. "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you. You're my hero."
He pressed it onto her finger and his lips met hers again.
He'd never lose her again. Vicki Morgan was his.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Peter Morgan drove his Aston Martin onto the rocky driveway. Alice and John followed in their Jeep. Vicki left Colt's side on the porch and waved at her brothers. Today she told them she was staying with Colt forever.
The House of Morgan didn't need her.
Peter pursed his lips as he stepped out of his car, but he said nothing.
John ran around his Jeep and helped Alice get down. He held her with both hands.
Vicki called out, "Over here."
Clara was playing a card game with her father on the swing.
Vicki paced and heard footsteps on the wood patio. Her brothers came toward her. She clicked her heels and waited. The moment they drew close, she threw her arms around Peter and then John and finally Alice. Alice ran her hands down Vicki's spine and hugged her closest as she asked, "What is going on? Why are we here?"
Vicki tugged out of the hug. Then she took her brothers' hands. "I didn't want this to be a phone call."
John's eyes narrowed. "What?"
She met the gazes of both of her brothers as she heard Colt stand behind her. "Peter, John...I told Colt I'd marry him."
Alice squeezed John's side. "I knew it! Oh my God, congratulations. We're going to be sisters again."
Vicki wiped her eyes. She'd not cry. "Alice, thank you."
Then Alice tugged her fiancé's arm. "John, tell Vicki congrats."
Peter scratched his chin and then stared at Colt and not at her. "Are you sure, Vicki? The Collins siblings are slightly dramatic."
Colt placed his hands on Vicki's shoulder. Peter stood taller.
