Unbreakable (Cloverleigh Farms, #4)

by Melanie Harlow

I just wanted to be the one that got to take her somewhere, open the door for her, sit in a cozy booth and hold her hand across the table. Then I’d bring her home and fuck her senseless.

“I love you, Sylvia Sawyer. And I might never be able to give you fancy things, but I’ll take care of you. I promise.” “I believe you with my whole heart.”

And I belong to you.” I kissed her once more, and knew in my heart that with these words, we were putting down roots that would be forever intertwined. “We belong together.”

That’s enough, Sylvia. Stop fretting about this and go in and tell Henry he’s going to be a father. You are not betraying anybody by having a baby—it’s an incredible, unexpected miracle that will mean more love in this family and in this world. Be grateful you were given such a gift.

“I’ll be there every step of the way, and I’ll help you talk to the kids if you want. You have nothing to be afraid of. My God, Sylvia.” He took me in his arms again, more gently this time. “I never thought I’d have this moment. Thank you.”

He dropped to his knee and looked up. “Marry me, Sylvia. I would have asked you anyway, but I was trying to be patient for once. Clearly, the universe does not want us to take our time. I’m sorry I don’t have a ring, but what I do have is a promise—I will love you forever. I will be a good father to this baby. And I will never try to take the place of Whitney and Keaton’s dad, but I will be there for them, no matter what.”

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. And I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know it.”

“Sylvia,” Henry said, his voice quiet but confident, “the way I feel about you is no secret. Since you moved back, I haven’t been able to think about anything else. And when I picture the rest of my life, it’s impossible to imagine it without you—and without this family.”

“I know getting married again was the last thing either one of us thought we would do, especially so fast. I know I told you I would never be able to buy you fancy things. I know there are people in this town—maybe even in this room—who will think I’m crazy. But I also know this.” He reached for my left hand, and I gave it to him. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, and I don’t want to wake up without you anymore. You make every single day better. You make me better. Sylvia Sawyer, will you marry me?” I was crying and laughing at the same time as he slipped the ring on my finger. “Yes!” I shouted. “Yes!”