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Sutton’s brow furrowed. “You don’t have to make that sacrifice, Candice.”
She smiled and walked into the small office.
Candice kneeled in front of Martha. “I know what it is like to be left behind. You have a chance now to build a new life. I would be more than happy to get you started if you would like me to. And, of course, if my boss will allow it.”
Sutton nodded emphatically. “Of course, I will allow it. Are you sure?”
Candice glanced at me and back to Sutton before nodding. “I am sure.”
The ride back to the trailer was quiet, except for when we made arrangements for the jet to fly us back to the city the following afternoon. Candice had opted to stay in the trailer. She said she was getting rather used to it and liked the new bed I had ordered.
Once we arrived home, she went into her room to rest for a while, and Sutton and I began to pack.
“Am I doing the wrong thing by allowing her to stay?” Sutton asked as she gathered up some jeans.
I turned her so that she was facing me and took the pants out of her hands.
“I don’t think you could force Candice to do anything that she didn’t want to do,” I said carefully.
She had a worried look on her face. “Candice doesn’t work because she has to, she works because she likes the challenge. I can’t help but worry that she is staying because of Knox.”
“Is that such a bad thing?”
She shook her head. “No, I just don’t think he’s the kind that will move to the city, and I know that her life is there. And besides that, Knox has a list of heartbreak a mile wide behind him. I think he will break her heart.”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek before resting my forehead against hers.
“They are both adults, Sutton. They have to lead their own lives.”
She huffed out an angry little breath that was fucking adorable.
My lips tilted up, and I had to kiss hers. As always when we came together, my heart raced, and her amazing scent filled my senses. I couldn’t touch her without wanting more, and I knew that it would always be that way.
Her lips moved under mine in such a soft, sensuous way that I groaned deep in my throat.
“Marry me,” I breathed against her lips.
She moved back—surprise clearly written on her face. “What?”
I led her over to the bed and then pulled her into my arms.
“I used to think that happily ever after was a farce and that love didn’t last. You know how my parents were.”
She nodded slowly.
“But then I met you, and you introduced me to your crazy life. I saw the bullshit that you had dealt with and the heartbreak that you had suffered and still, everything about you screams love. You love effortlessly, without thought or worry about yourself. I need you, Sutton. I need your heart. I need your love. But most of all, I just need you. Please, marry me.”
She bit her lower lip, eyes glassy with tears. “I love you, Mark Williams.”
“Is that a yes?” my voice pleaded.
She nodded, and a tear slipped down her perfect cheek. “A million times, yes.”