Page 85 of The Bad Girl and the Baby

“Or two.”

“Yes.” Then something occurred to him. “Christ, tell me you like dogs.”

“I love dogs.”

Thank God.He took a deep breath. “Marry me.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“I love you. This is nothing to do with Lulu. Just you and me.”

“I…” She bit her lip. Was she thinking of everyone she had lost? Did she think a soldier was a bad bet?

When she didn’t speak, he hurried on. “I had to go into work—that’s why I was late. I told them I was turning down the position as second in command. I asked for a desk job.”

“But you’ve been working toward that job for years. You said so. It was all you wanted.”

“It was too dangerous. I have responsibilities now. I’ll still be working with the unit, but training and liaison here in the UK. I didn’t want you worrying all the time. I didn’t want Lulu to lose her father.”

“You shouldn’t have given up your dream for me.”

“I’ve new dreams now. Look, I know you’re scared. But give us a chance. I can’t promise that I won’t be taken from you. No one knows what the future will bring, but I’ll do everything in my power to be there for you. Forever, if you’ll have me.” He reached out and cupped her cheek. “Marry me. Please.”

She swallowed and gave an almost imperceptible nod, and the tight band around his heart loosened. But he needed to hear the words. “Say it.”

“I love you.” Her lashes fluttered closed for a second, then she opened her eyes and stared straight into his. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever said.”

“You can’t take it back.”

“I don’t want to. I never want to take it back.”

“And the rest. I want everything. Marry me?”

She grinned. “Hell, we’ve already got a daughter and a dog—two dogs. I guess I’ll have to make an honest man of you.”

“Say it.”

“I will.”