Keep Me Safe

more than I will and that no one will ever be as loved and cherished as you will be.”

She lifted her hands from his and framed his beautiful face, staring him directly in the eyes so there was no mistaking her sincerity.

“Oh yes,” she breathed. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Caleb Devereaux. I don’t care how much money you have. I’d love you if you had nothing. I love you.”

His eyes were suspiciously wet again and he swallowed as if he couldn’t get the words out he wanted to say. Finally he gave up and pulled her into his arms, rocking her back and forth as he shuddered and shook against her.

“I thought I lost you,” he choked out. “I thought I’d driven you away. Betrayed you in the worst way possible. I don’t even know how you can be in the same room with me without being terrified after what I did. But God, I want a second chance. I want it more than anything else in the world. You won’t regret this, Ramie. I swear I’ll make you happy.”

“You already make me happy,” she whispered.

“I’ll build you your dream house. One you’ll be happy in. One with warmth, love and laughter and if, God willing, a passel of children born of our love.”

“Home is wherever you are, Caleb. I don’t care where we live or what kind of house. As long as you’re there, I’ll always be home.”