Page 93 of Scandalized

“I won’t divorce you,” he says, voice low. “I can’t. I won’t ever be able to let you go. So, don’t think I’m suggesting that.” He stops. Clears his throat. “But I will give you space, time, whatever you need if this life isn’t what you want. You don’t have to stay. I’ve had your money deposited into a new account for you. You can access it whenever you want. I can’t be responsible for taking your choices away. I know you had plans for your life.”

I take the key from his hand and stare at it for a moment. Then I reach into my purse and drop it inside.

His face falls for a moment before he gives me a half smile.

“It’s a beautiful area,” I tell him.

He nods. Swallows. “Yes.” He clears his throat. “I’ve only seen it online, but I thought you would like it.”

“I’ll keep it,” I say, “as a vacation option for us. Maybe a spring break honeymoon?”

“I don’t understand.” His voice is gruff.

“I want to stay. With you.”

His eyes meet mine.

“I want law school in Chicago,” I continue. “And Sunday dinners with our families because we areeventuallygoing to have to make it to a mass with my mother. I also want more late nights in bed where you kiss me until I forget why I was mad at you. I want to be your wife, Liam. And not just in name.”

He puffs out air slowly, like he’s been holding his breath for months. Like I just gave him permission to exhale.

I reach up and press my palm to his cheek. “I know this wasn’t the life you wanted either, Liam. But, you’re not your father. You don’t lead with fear. You lead with strength and heart and intelligence. You’re going to make the Irish stronger than they’ve ever been. And I want to be by your side when you do it. Besides”—I grin—“if you keep trying to run people over, you’ll eventually need me as your lawyer.”

His mouth finds mine in a kiss that’s all heat and reverence, urgency and relief. I lose myself in it, in him.

When we finally break apart, he leans his forehead against mine. “I’m going to love you forever.”

I smile against his lips. “Then it’s a good thing forever’s exactly what I’m planning on.”

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