"I think you just did."

But instead of smiling, he frowned deeply. "But what are we going to do about it? I won't do a long-distance relationship. I just won't. I won't be happy with just weekends, or one month here and one

month in Bay's Haven. I guess I'll just have to move up there. Troy was right, I can write anywhere. And I guess I can find a good home for Mom. I mean there are good hospitals in Toronto. I just-"

"Sloan," she pressed a finger to his lips. "I would love to live here. You'd never find another place like

this for her. Mom's gone now, and if I can't sell trendy pottery and sculptures to the California set, then I shouldn't call myself an artist. I'll just find a spot, and set up shop here."

His face beamed. "Really?"

"Really. On one condition."

He cocked one eyebrow at her.

"No more burgling, no more sky-diving, and no more stupid stunts. I won't lose the man I love like that.

I've lost too many already."

He smiled easily. "Done."

But she remained skeptical. "It's that easy?"

"Yup."

She touched a finger lightly to his earlobe where the gold hoop glinted in the sun. "Why, Sloan?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you act like that? Was it because you were indirectly trying to kill yourself? Or were you

tempting fate, and taunting death to try and take you like it took your parents?"

He tilted his head and considered. "Maybe a bit of both. I told myself I needed it to keep my life exciting and interesting, but I know now that it was much more than that."

"So you'll be happy without all those adventures?"

He grimaced. "Well...how about if you let me have a motorcycle and go bungee jumping once in a

while."

She smiled. "Done."

"So...like...this is kind of permanent, eh?" He smoothed a hand over her hair.

"Uh-huh," she said coyly. "It sort of sounds that way. I bet you're scared spitless."

He stood up a little straighter. "Don't be ridiculous. Commitment doesn't scare me."

"Right. Tell me another one, Carver."

"It's the truth."

"Admit it, you're shaking in your boots at the thought of never sleeping with another woman besides me."

"You're all the woman I can handle. And I am not scared."

"Honesty is very important in a relationship. You have to admit your fears."

"Never."

"See? You're afraid to admit your fears."

Suddenly he laughed and swept her up in his arms. He lifted her off her feet and swung her around the room just like every hero who is worth his salt has done in a thousand movies. And just like always, he set her down and planted a kiss firmly on her lips-a long, slow, lazy kiss that left her reeling and giddy, and lifted her left foot slightly off the ground.

He pulled away, and those blue eyes glittered. "I think we should go and start arguing over the wedding plans right away."

She nodded vigorously. "Just lead the way."

He grabbed her hand and started to drag her to the door. But, just as suddenly, he stopped. He let go of her hand, and held up one finger. "Hang on, I forgot something."

He moved quickly back to his mother's bedside. He bent low and cradled that frail hand in his again.

Bree could just hear him whisper, "I'm sorry I doubted you, Mom. And... And I love you. I know I never said it nearly enough, but a lot of things are going to change around here. I'll come visit lots, and we'll stop by so you can see me in my suit. Unless Bree makes me buy a tux. I'll roast in that monkey suit, but she won't care." He smiled, and kissed her tenderly on her cheek. "Be happy for me, Mom. I think I finally am."

With a final squeeze of his mother's hand, he turned around, and swept Bree out of the room, toward their future.

He never saw the single tear that slid down Janelle Carver's cheek.

About the author.

Nikki lives in a small town in Ontario, Canada. In the midst of the chaos that comes with raising three small boys, working part-time as a lab tech in a hospital blood bank, and caring for her ever-adoring husband, she dreams up her stories. Nikki's work is an eclectic combination of romance, mystery, suspense and humor with characters that have plenty of room to grow. To learn more about her and her work visit her at www.nikkisoarde.com.

Nikki welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora's Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by Nikki Soarde.

Mortal Wounds.

If you are interested in a spicier read, check out her erotic romances at Ellora's Cave Publishing (www.ellorascave.com).

And Lady Makes Three anthology Balance of Power Duplicity Ellora's Cavemen: Legendary Tails III anthology Jagged Gift Phobia.

Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of wisdom, was the muse who brought inspiration to storytellers and those in the creative arts. Cerridwen Press encompasses the best and most innovative stories in all genres of today's fiction. Visit our site and discover the newest titles by talented authors who still get inspired-much like the ancient storytellers did, once upon a time.

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