The Missing Heir(124)

                “I was coming to see you,” she told him.

                Zachary immediately lunged for her. She caught him and pulled                     him to her chest.

                “I was coming to you,” said Cole. “I was so wrong. I’m so                     sorry.”

                Zachary patted her cheek, and she laughed.

                “I’m the one who is sorry.” She sobered as she told Cole, “I                     never should have doubted you.”

                “You had plenty of reasons to doubt me. I hoped you’d                     understand when you got the trust fund.”

                “I did understand. That’s why I’m here.” She gave a little                     laugh. “Well, that, and it was included in my salary package.”

                “I was wrong,” Cole repeated.

                Her expression faltered.

                “About selling Coast Eagle,” he quickly clarified. “That’s not                     my decision to make alone.”

                She looked confused. “But you said you couldn’t run them                     both.”

                “I know. And I can’t. But I didn’t explore all the options. I                     have now. And we have another option. But I’m not making this decision without                     you.” He took a breath, steadying himself, realizing he was trying to tell her                     too much and all at once.

                He stopped talking and drew her into his arms, her and Zachary,                     holding them both close.

                “I love you,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you so much. And                     I need you. And Zachary needs you. And you have to marry me. And you have to be                     his mother, because that’s the only way this works. It’s the only way he gets                     what he deserves out of life.” He was talking too much again, but he couldn’t                     stop himself. “You and I both had to compromise, but Zachary doesn’t. He can                     have it all, Amber. But only if you’ll marry me. I’m sorry. That was too much to                     throw at you. But once I started talking—”

                “Yes,” she said, drawing back. “Yes, I love you. And yes, I’ll                     marry you. And of course, yes, I’ll be Zachary’s mother.”

                He kissed her deeply, until Zachary squirmed between them.                     “Gak!”