Page 122 of Forbidden Kisses

"You know what I'm talking about?"

I nodded. I did. Because for so long, I’d kept my heart guarded. But no more. For Duncan, I was wearing my heart on my sleeve. And I needed him to know that I was 100 percent his.

I took in a deep breath, rubbing Mom's hand with my left one and Paula's with the right.

"Lawyer mode off," I announced. I had a lot of time to think things through during the trip back. Right now, I wanted to soak up the love surrounding me.

On Sunday, I arrived home at half past eleven. Paula had gone on the beach with some friends, and I had the house to myself. Christine said they were all out, shopping.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

And then I froze because I definitely heard movement from the kitchen. I drew in a deep breath and stumbled backward.What’s happening?There were vases upon vases with poppies everywhere. I stepped farther into the house and glanced into the living room. Yep. More poppies.

My heart was beating fast as I headed to the kitchen.

Jeremy and Duncan were standing there, side by side. "And when she comes?—"

I cleared my throat, and both of them turned around.

Jeremy huffed. "Dad, you were supposed to tell mebefore."

"Damn it," Duncan said. "I miscalculated."

"You brought the f-flowers?" I stuttered.

"Yes, we did," Jeremy exclaimed. "We went to the flower market and asked them for all of their poppies. But they only had a few, so we went to seven more shops."

Oh, be still my beating heart.

Duncan wasn't saying anything, just looking at me with affection.

"But why did you…?" I asked.

"Because they’re your favorite," Jeremy explained. "Dad and I thought it would show you how much we both love you."

There were three vases with poppies on the kitchen counter as well. I couldn't look away from Duncan.

He put an arm around his son's shoulders. "Jeremy and I had a terrific conversation, where I told him that you’re my girlfriend and that you and I love each other very much."

Jeremy looked at his father. “Dad, can I ask her?"

Duncan nodded, and Jeremy came over and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Dad said I could ask if you want to move in with us."

My heart exploded. I lowered myself to his height and hugged him with all I had. "Of course I want to move in with the two of you. And I want to tuck you into bed every night and hear about your day."

"And Dad said we can take care of you together," Jeremy continued. "We can cook your favorite dinner. And then he said something about spoiling you."

I was fighting tears—the good kind—but I wanted to hold them back because I still hadn't managed to properly explain to Jeremy the difference between good tears and sad tears. And right now wasn't the right moment.

He was my boy. I might not have given birth to him, but I loved him as if he were my own flesh and blood.

When I straightened up, Jeremy asked, "Can we get a group hug?"

"Sure we can, buddy," Duncan said. His voice wasn't working properly. I wondered if that was why he hadn't said much.

He put an arm around my back. I rested my mouth in the crook of his neck. Jeremy was hugging us both. I took in a deep breath to steady my heartbeat. It felt like my heart was finally in its right place.

"Dad, when can she move in with us?" Jeremy asked.