His to Take (Wicked Lovers #9)(147)
Author: Shayla Black

“Caleb gave me a job. Hunter, Logan, and I are going to take over his business. The three of us spent a lot of time talking last night, planning. I’m really looking forward to . . . belonging again. But life would be so much better with you beside me.”

“Joaquin . . .” Bailey’s tears spilled over. How was she supposed to resist that?

“Can you forgive me?”

There was one fundamental difference between him and nearly everyone else who’d ever left her: Most had gone without much thought for her feelings. Joaquin was reaching his hand across the chasm between them to bring her into his world. He hadn’t plotted to leave her, but he’d come up with a plan to coax her back into his life. It touched her.

“Yes.”

“Oh, thank God.” He pulled her against him and filtered his fingers into her hair. “Bailey Benson, marry me. Please put me out of my misery, put me in my place when I need it, and take me into your heart, the way you’re in mine. I swear, I won’t let you down.”

He couldn’t have been more earnest if he’d tried. The swell of need emanating from him bowled her over. And she loved him so much it hurt.

Joy brought another rush of tears to her eyes. “Yes!”

Joaquin smiled at her, so full of joy and life—and relief as he reached into his pocket and slipped a gorgeous diamond solitaire on her finger. She glanced down at the winking gem, then back up to her new fiancé. He beamed, so clearly embracing their future together. Elation brimmed between them. She couldn’t be more thrilled.

As he sealed their new bond with a seeking kiss that quickly turned demanding, Bailey warmed against him and melted as the wedding guests around her clapped. She laughed and cried at once, feeling as if she’d finally found her family.