Page 148 of The One
“For God’s sake, the man had told you he would kill you if you ever came near me again. And you walked into that home, not only to tell him the truth about what had happened on the boat, but to tell him you’re still in love with his daughter. Rhett”—she pulled away to look at me—“that’s courageous, and that’s …”
“That’s love.”
Her nod was exaggerated. “Yes.”
“What helped was that your father was willing to listen. Our conversation went much differently this time than the last time we spoke.”
“Dad has been grieving for the last fifteen years. It was time for him to know the truth.”
I fanned my fingers across her cheek. “He told me he was proud of the man I’d become and that, in his heart, he knew I’d take care of his baby.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “To hear him say that … after what happened with his other baby. Lainey …”
“I know.” Her hand flattened against mine. “I know.”
“We have his blessing.”
She leaned back a few inches and stroked my beard. “He told me.”
I kissed her slowly, and when I felt a vibration in my pocket, which had to be the text I’d been expecting, I pulled back. I waited for her to look at the water before I peeked at the screen.
Trista
All set. You’re a good guy, Rhett. She’s going to love it.
And thank you for the gift—that was unexpected and so nice of you.
I put the phone back, set the champagne on the sand, and wrapped my arms around her waist. As I was nuzzling her neck, I lifted her onto my lap, her legs straddling mine. My hands went to her face, and I kissed her.
But this kiss was different from any of the others.
Because there wasn’t a question; there was zero doubt.
Lainey Taylor was mine.
Again.
And nothing would ever come between us.
Not our past. Not her parents. Not the memories that threatened to pull us into the darkness.
Somehow, someway, we’d survived, and we’d come out on the other side.
When I separated our mouths, I kept us close, locking our gazes. “Do you see that house behind me with all the lights on? The two-story one with the balcony off the second floor?”
“Yes.”
“That’s ours for the weekend.”
Her brows rose. “What? We’re staying there?”
I chuckled at how surprised she sounded. “We are.”
“But I didn’t know. I didn’t bring anything. All I have is what I’m wearing.”
“I brought everything you’ll need. Even a bikini.”
Since she’d also set down her drink at some point, both of her hands now rested on my shoulders. “Hold on a second. You brought me a bikini?”
“I did.”
