Serving Up Trouble

Chapter 16

Sam shook his head. “You’re sorry.”

“Yes.” Angie was barely able to make her voice come out. “I’m…sorry.”

“Usually when a man asks a woman to marry him, she says yes or no.” He looked utterly bewildered. “I guess I didn’t expect an ‘I’m sorry.’”

Talking past the lump in her throat wasn’t easy. Neither was looking into his eyes now filled with wariness and hurt. “Sam.” She took his hands, brought them to her chest, pressing them against the heart that loved him, the heart that would always love him. “I drive you crazy. Why would you want to marry me?”

“Because…” He seemed shocked she would ask. “You make me smile. You make me see things. You make me live.” He lifted his shoulders and looked a little des per ate. “And because I can’t imagine doing any of that without you.”

“I’m also too cheerful. A little naive. Ditzy sometimes- No, don’t shake your head, I know what I am. All those things are alien to you, and sometimes…some times you look at me like I’m alien, too.”

Sam closed his eyes and grimaced. “We’ve already established I’m an ass. Look, we’re different, no doubt. But there’s nothing wrong with a little variety in personalities.”

“No,” she agreed softly, her heart aching. “Variety is fine. But this is more than that. Sam, I love you with all my heart, but I can’t-I won’t-change, not even for you, the most wonderful man I’ve ever-”

He put his fingers to her lips, halting her words. “I love you, Angie. All of you-your joy, your exuberance, your everything, and I think I have all along. Yeah, you scared the hell out of me, no doubt, but only because I wasn’t ready for you.”

“And you are now?”

“I am now,” he said in a voice of steel, the one that told her he meant it and that he would never change his mind. “I trust you with all the things I never wanted to trust anyone with ever again-my emotions, my heart. My soul.” He managed a smile. “Be kind to them,” he whispered, stroking her cheek. “Be kind and say yes.”

Her eyes filled. “Oh, Sam.” She wrapped her arms around him.

He buried his face in her hair. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes.” She laughed and cried at the same time. “Yes, I want it all. To be your wife, your heart. I can’t think of anything I want more.” Pulling back, she kissed him long and deep. “Except maybe your children.”

“Angie.” He stared at her, his hands on her hips to hold her close. “You’re not…?”

“No.” She kissed him again and slid her body against his until she felt his body respond. “But I want to be.” She straddled him and let out a hum of pleasure at what she felt nudging between her thighs.

“Your shoulder. Careful-” He broke off with a low groan when she rocked against him. “Angie.”

“Not all my parts hurt,” she said a little wickedly, making him laugh now even as he groaned again. “Are you really going to love me, Sam?” She nibbled at his neck, thrilling to his rough groan, loving the power of making this strong man weak. “And give me everything I’ve ever wanted? For the rest of my life?”

“Yes. Everything. A house. A new car. Your education. Whatever you want.”

She smiled, feeling her heart lighten for the first time in…well, ever. “Those things are nice. But all I want is you. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

He went still as stone, his eyes suspiciously bright. Then he kissed her, and by the wondrous feelings it invoked, she knew he’d put everything he had into that kiss.

Lifting her head, she sighed, so full of love she could burst. “This is really going to work, isn’t it? The cop and the waitress?”

“No doubt in my mind.”

“Well, then.” She hugged him tight. “This is going to be the best happy-ever-after there ever was.”

“No doubt in my mind,” he repeated softly.

Then he care fully laid her back on the bed and followed her down.