I smiled back and then looked at my feet. When I lifted my face, Zane’s gaze caught mine and held it. “I’ve missed you.”
Zane jerked his head and the few people in the room left. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“I was scared. I’m sorry.”
“Scared of what?” Zane asked
“Loving you. Losing you. I’ve had some bad luck in that area, but really, that’s no excuse. It seems dumb now.”
“It’s not dumb to try to protect yourself.”
I nodded. “I was so busy trying to protect myself that I didn’t realize I didn’t need to.”
“I think I can make you happy if you let me.”
“I know you can.” Just talking to Zane made me happy.
“I love you, Jo.”
The simplicity stole my breath. I’d never tire of hearing him say it. My words caught in my throat and I took a deep gulp of air. “I love you, too, Zane.”
He smiled. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
I shook my head. “All the reasons I was so certain we couldn’t work seem silly now.”
Zane enfolded me in his arms and I felt safe. “I want the whole thing, Jo.”
I lifted my head from his shoulder. “The whole thing?”
“Everything. Anything worthwhile is worth fighting for. Isn’t that what they say?”
I rested my forehead on his chest. “Yes.”
Zane stroked my hair. “This isn’t generally known. Actually, it’s not known at all. This was my last fight. I’m retiring. It’s been on my mind for some time.”
I gripped his shoulders. “What? You don’t have to do that.” I didn’t want Zane to give up his career for me.
“The only thing I want to fight for now is you.”
“Oh.” My heart melted. He sounded certain, happy.
“Marry me, Jo. Say you’ll marry me.”
I threw my arms around him, holding him tightly to me. “Yes,” I whispered. “Yes.” No matter what the future held, I knew Zane would be there right beside me and we’d face it together.