Liam seemed to analyze each of her words. “People could’ve taken care of them. There are services and professionals for that.”
Her first reaction was to be offended by his words, but the expression on his face told her that there was no judgment in him, but only a sincere desire to hear her.
“I think that every step we take in life, we’re given choices and possibilities. Cary chose to rob me then saved my life, and his path intersected mine. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t decide to adopt them due to gratitude. Something changed inside me. Cary and Ted are a touch of bright color in a cup of white. As soon as they’re mixed, the initial color is never quite the same. They transformed me and my path, making going back to the convent irrelevant. I didn’t want that life anymore, I wanted more.”
From his intense gaze, Catriona saw understanding seeping through Liam. “It’s a beautiful illustration. I see it now. Cary and Ted colored me too. So, did you.”
Catriona almost ceased breathing at his words as he addressed the elephant in the room, going back to that fateful fork in their joined road. His swirling gaze pulled at her, but she needed more than attraction from him. She yearned for honesty, even if it was clear it wasn’t comfortable for Liam. Even if what he said finished shattering her heart.
“My entire life has been about crawling out of the hole Finch left me in, but also with the shadow of my mother’s resentment hanging over me. There wasn’t a day she didn’t remind me how I destroyed her life, robbed her of her only chance to be with God. There was no way I could compare. When you barged into my life, I couldn’t help but make comparisons even if there were none to make. You couldn’t be further away from my mother, both in looks and character, apart from the faint red in your hair that appears when the sun catches it. Nonetheless, how could I corrupt you, even if it was what you wanted? I was no better than Finch when I fought to be everything he wasn’t. When I couldn’t fight anymore, I hung onto the knowledge that it was only a hiccup and that you’d return to the life you were intended for. I was convinced that it was where you belonged, where you’d accomplish the most good. Even if I wanted to keep you close, even if I craved your touch, even if I’d fallen in love with you.”
Mouth dry and chest tight, Catriona forced out what she’d kept hidden for too long. “You never told me. Do you know how much I hoped to hear you say those words?” Her eyes flooded with tears and Liam crouched in front of her, grabbing her hands.
“Angel, I think I loved you as soon as I saw you. I battled everything in me to guard you, but you didn’t need protection or guidance. It wasn’t you who needed me, but the opposite. I caused you suffering, angel. Will you ever forgive me?”
There was nothing to forgive, Catriona realized, as they both cared and wanted to protect the other and put their well-being and happiness before their own.
She cupped his whiskered cheeks, his expression sincere and raw, plainly exposed for her to see.
Unable to convey with words what only her heart could express, Catriona leaned forward, and kissed his forehead. Liam inhaled sharply but stayed still as she skimmed her lips to his temples, down his cheeks to the corner of his mouth. Through this newfound connection, everything righted itself in her.
“You were always forgiven, Liam. I love you.” And once the words were finally out, being woven together into the air, she kissed him.
The first touch was tentative, but lust roared, demanding. Catriona needed to erase what had been and reacquaint herself to what could be. Hope blossoming between them.
Opening her knees so Liam could get closer, she moaned in disagreement when he denied her. One look told her he wanted her as much as she did him, so why had he stopped?
“Angel, you don’t know how much of a temptation you are. I came here with honorable intentions. Please hear me out.”
Catriona would have laughed at his outrage and him calling her a temptress if he didn’t put a knee down. He straightened, keeping one of her hands in both of his, slightly hesitant and unsure, very unlike him.
That’s when her brain realized what he was doing, sending a shockwave through her system.
“Catriona Walsh, angel of my life. I’m just a poor cop from Chicago, with more scars than I should have. I don’t have much to offer as you already have my heart. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Before she could make her mouth work again, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a ring. It was small and delicate and gleamed in the dim light from the television.
The new year may have passed, but everything felt fresh and new. Catriona smiled and nodded, transforming Liam’s face as never before. Peace, love, and pure joy lit his face when he slid the ring on her finger and finally took her in his arms.
Liam took her mouth in a searing kiss. There was nothing chaste about it, but full of promise, love, and lust.
Coming up for air, Liam was still smiling from ear to ear. “You made me a very happy man, angel.”
“Well, you may think differently when you’re fighting with obstinate boys and one very messy dog.”
It was his turn to kiss her forehead. “I can’t wait to put all my negotiating skills at your service. I may need some coaching about cleaning, though.”
“And what about changing diapers?”
It was a delight to be able to surprise him even more. “You’re pregnant?”
“I’ve been too scared to take a pregnancy test, but for the first time, I’ve missed my period. I might very well be. Does that change your proposal?”
Liam didn’t answer, and instead hugged and twirled her around until she felt deliciously dizzy.
It took a couple more seconds to realize that he was carrying her to her bedroom. “If you’re in doubt, let’s work on it some more. There’s always room for improvement, and you know how much I hate not to get the job done properly.”
Catriona laughed at his silly mood, but stopped when he kicked her bedroom door closed and let her body slide against him in a silent promise of what was to come.
“I knew from the first time I saw you that there was something special about you. I noticed small miracles happening all around you, and wondered, but I never thought you would grant me one of my own. I love you, my miracle, my love, my angel.”