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She nods, not saying anything.
“And I guess what I’m trying to say is I don’t care about anyone else. Mom and Dad can be upset that I’m with you and not with some rich gal, but they’ll get over it. I don’t want to go a minute longer without you.”
The words linger, and I bite my lip, trying to keep it together. For the first time, I feel nervous. My stomach churns, a choke forming in my throat. If she rejects me, it’ll sting, and I don’t know what I’ll do when I hear it.
“Sara, all I did for the sanctuary, I did for you, not just because I want your forgiveness, but I really do want to see you happy. I know the world’s not on your side, but I am. And I’m so, so sorry for what I’ve done.”
Sara pushes her legs out and turns to me, smiling.
“I know, Robert. It’s nice to finally hear all of this.”
“I’m glad you think so. I’m sorry for hurting you, for being distant, and for treating you that way. I won’t to do that ever again.”
“You’re forgiven,” she replies, taking my hand and holding it. The jolt of desire courses through me as I lean in.Just like that! This precious woman forgives me, just like that! I am so very blessed.
There’s something else I want to ask her. Something that’s been eating at me ever since I messed up.
“Sara, I’ve got one more question.”
“Sure, what is it?”
My lips dry as the words hover over me. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. I chased after her and did everything I could to have her in my life again. I push a strand of brown hair away from her face, drinking up those green eyes staring at me. Her gaze has me hooked.
“Can we be together for the long haul? Try again. This time, I want to be open about our relationship with everyone, and I want to be the person you can always trust and rely on. I messed up once, but I promise that won’t happen again.”
Sara doesn’t respond but instead looks away. A slow nod follows along with a smile.
“Yes, Robert. I want to be with you. I want to be together for as long as we can be.”
“I’m glad you feel the same,” I whisper.
But…. There is a condition” she insists. “There will never be lies between us again, not about big things and not about small things.”
I smile as I question her in a tiny silly voice. “Does that mean I’ll have to tell you what I’m getting you for Christmas before you open it?” Sara lifts her head in mock admonition. “Of course not, all gifts are exempt from the promise.”
“Then I solemnly promise.”
My arms wrap around her, holding her tightly against my body. Her head nuzzles my chest, and I squeeze tighter. Holding her like this, keeping her close to me like a lifeline, it feels so right. As the crashing waves hit the beach, the only thing on my mind is Sara. This is the one thing I’ve wanted to do for so long.
That is to have a second chance and to fix her life so that she can be as happy as possible, no matter what. And that means fixing both of our lives for the long haul.
Chapter twenty-nine
Sara
I bask in Robert’s embrace, refusing to let go. Hearing his words brings me peace of mind in a sense. I pull back, tears welling in my eyes as I stare at his masculine face.
“I missed you,” I admit.
“I did, too.”
“Is there a reason why you didn’t tell me sooner?” I ask.
He nods. “I was worried about potentially ruining everything. I wanted to show you that I meant everything and wanted to make sure that before I showed my face to you again, I was ready for it.”
He looks up at the night sky. I do the same, seeing the different stars.
“And, plus, there is that part of me that was nervous about coming back.”
