never been so sure of anything in my life. I’ve wanted you for ten years. I’m forty-one. Someday in the not-too-distant future, I want us to live together. I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children.” He draws breath. “So, there it is. I’m not expecting you to want all these things right now, but I’m hoping since you travelled halfway around the world that you want something, too. All my cards are on the table.” His voice breaks low and gruff. “You have my heart. Do with it what you want.”
