“I do believe you.” She sniffled as she tried to blink away her tears. “The more I got to know you, the more I doubted you had anything to do with it. But that man, Strathbaum…”
“I fired him.”
She bit her lip for a moment, clearly conflicted, then said, “Well, I hate to wish pain on anyone else, but I’m glad he’s gone.”
He stared into her eyes, so green and misty. “I hate that my name caused you so much pain. I wish more than anything that I could bring back your grandmother, but I can’t. I just hope you’ll be able to forgive me someday.”
She reached up and stroked his cheek. “I’ve already forgiven you.”
“Tell me I have a chance. Tell me you still love me.”
Her bright smile lit up his heart. “Of course I still love you. I never stopped loving you.”
“Marry me, Trish. Put me out of my misery and say yes.”
“I thought you’d never marry anyone, ever.”
He grimaced. “Did I mention earlier that I was an idiot?”
She laughed as one last tear rolled down her cheek. “You did.”
He rubbed away the tear with his thumb. “You changed me, Trish. I want to be with you forever. Say you’ll marry me.”
“Of course I’ll marry you.” She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Adam. I love you so much.”
“Thank God.” He kissed her, then grabbed her in a fierce hug and felt the formerly empty spot in his heart overflow with love.
Kate Carlisle
New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle was born and raised by the beach in Southern California. After more than twenty years in television production, Kate turned to writing the types of mysteries and romance novels she always loved to read. She still lives by the beach in Southern California with her husband, and when they’re not taking long walks in the sand or cooking or reading or painting or taking bookbinding classes or trying to learn a new language, they’re traveling the world, visiting family and friends in the strangest places. Kate loves to hear from readers. Visit her Web site at www.katecarlisle.com.
