Page 112 of Housebroke

He leaned forward. “Okay, tell me what you want.”

“I love that property. It’s my dream. But I am not ready for that yet. If you want to move in together that sounds great. Let’s start small and let me get my business going. I can work and foster. We’ll build up to the twenty acres, if that works for you.”

He nodded. “Whatever makes you happy works for me. I want to give you the world, Hazel, but I’m willing to work on that world alongside you. I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust. I hope you can trust me to do anything to make you happy.”

Her heart swelled and tears streamed down her cheeks. “Of course I trust you. And I love you, too, which I should have said the minute I felt it. I was afraid.” Her voice wobbled so she stopped talking.

“I was afraid, too. Love is scary. But I think if we want to be with each other we’re both going to have to be a little brave. Because we can do amazing things together.”

She nodded. “I think you’re right. I’ve been miserable without you, and I want to be a part of helping you do what you love, and letting you help me achieve my dreams, because that’s what people who love each other do.”

Linc’s heart pounded so hard, blood rushing so loud through his veins he could hardly hear himself think. But he felt such joyat having this amazing woman forgive him, give him another chance to show her just how much he loved her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, tasting the salt of her tears in that kiss that bound them together.

When he pulled away, they sat on the sofa in the living room, her body touching his. He didn’t know if he’d ever want to let go of her. He’d almost lost her, and he’d never let that happen again.

“Can we keep the dogs?” he asked. “Our dogs? They could be the pack leaders for the rest of the fosters. Help them out, get them comfortable. How would you feel about that?”

She laid her palm on his chest. “I like that idea. Let’s do that.”

“We’ll build a life together, Hazel,” he said. “With both of our input. I won’t make assumptions about what you want or need. You’ll tell me.”

She reached up and swept her hand across his jaw. “Maybe we’ll start with house shopping? Something with a small amount of land. I’ve already got a line on a job as a sous-chef at a nice, trendy restaurant. I’m kind of excited about cooking there.”

“That sounds pretty great.”

“Then let’s work on our future together.”

He smiled down at her, brushed his lips across hers. “Yeah, I can’t wait to get started.”

They sank into the couch together and started making plans, and Linc felt settled. Happy. And utterly in love.

Life was good.