Page 56 of Protective Warrior

“Because I want a real life with you,” she confessed. “A family. I want to be a mom one day. I want us to raise kids together, Lawson. But that’s going to mean a safe life. You know? Not one where you’re running off on tactical missions all the time.”

“Hmm. I like the sound of that,” he murmured, sealing his mouth over hers once more.

“You mean that?” she asked softly as she pulled back, brushing her nose against his. “It’s not going to get too boring for you?”

“Are you kidding?” He chuckled. “Having a life with you? That sounds like the most exciting mission in the world to me.”

She giggled, and gazed up at him. “Well, that’s a hell of a lot to live up to,” she pointed out.

“Yeah?” he replied, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her as close as possible, so there was no space between their bodies.

“I think you can handle it.” He kissed her again, smiling into the embrace. She let out a long breath against his mouth, as though this was what she had been waiting to hear all this time. He would make it clear to her every way he could, every time she asked.

“I love you, Sarah,” he told her softly.

“I love you, too,” she whispered back, and she kissed him again, the taste of lemonade on her lips. He might have waited too long to make her his, but now, she belonged to him and he belonged to her. He knew he was going to spend the rest of his life making up for lost time, and he was looking forward to every moment.

They had all the time in the world to enjoy together now. To enjoy building a life and a family with one another, and he could hardly wait to get started.

With the love of his life in his arms, everything felt possible.