Tara closed her eyes and nodded. “He was working on a surprise for me.”
“Oh, honey.”
“He was looking to buy a new building and was walking through with the owner and thinking of how to renovate it for the office I’ve always wanted.”
Tara risked opening her eyes and looking at her friend. Of course, it didn’t come as a shock when she saw sympathy staring at her.
“I don’t even know if I can fix this, but Marley’s memory is back and she’s afraid—”
“That he’s leaving for good now?”
Tara blew out a sigh and nodded. She had texted both of her friends after the all clear from the doctor regarding Marley’s health. Everyone had been so relieved, but at the same time, that meant playing house was over and they were all back to reality. Too bad she’d fallen in love all over again with her husband.
“He hasn’t left the house because we don’t know how to do that to her again.” Tara pulled her hands from Lucy’s and pushed her hair behind her ears. “But the tension is so high, I don’t know what to do.”
“Maybe talk to him? Why don’t you let Marley come over for a bit after the baby shower?” Lucy suggested. “We’d love to have her and you need the time alone.”
Before Tara could reply, both of their cells chimed.
“Wonder who that is,” Lucy muttered as she came to her feet.
They walked toward the area of the community center where they’d left their purses on the table near the rear exit.
Tara pulled her cell out and glanced at the screen.
“Oh, mercy.”
Lucy gasped as she read her message. “Kate is in labor?”
“It’s too soon,” Tara murmured and glanced at Lucy. “What should we do?”
Lucy looked around the decorated room and shrugged. “We carry on without her. She still needs the gifts that will be brought today and we can explain to everyone to keep her in their thoughts and prayers.”
Tara replied to Gray’s text and told him to call as soon as they had news or if they needed anything at all.
“Well, that puts my problems on the back burner.” Tara crossed to the final table they were setting up. “I really hope the baby is healthy. Five weeks is really early.”
“I’m sure they will all be fine,” Lucy assured her.
Tara pulled in a shaky breath. “They have to be.”
Lucy placed the final folded napkin on the table. “Now,” she said, turning to Tara. “We still have to push through our days, so after the shower, I’ll take Marley home and she and Emma can play. Alright?”
In theory the day sounded perfect and the right opportunity for her to talk to Sam. But honestly, would he even listen to her? Had she damaged their new relationship beyond repair with her accusation?
“I’m not taking no for an answer,” Lucy stated. “She can ride the horses. Noah would love having her help with them.”
Tara smiled. “Marley would be upset if she thought I turned down an opportunity for her to ride.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Tara took a deep breath. At least one thing was settled. Now she just had to face Sam and she only had a few hours to decide what to say to him to win him back forever.
* * *
Sam had dropped Marley off at the baby shower and then he’d gone in to the office. Even though he was technically still part-time, he needed to be doing something productive. He couldn’t stay in Tara’s house another minute. Being alone with his thoughts wasn’t smart because then he’d start thinking about how close he’d been to having it all. How everything he’d thought he’d lost but fought for had been right in his grasp...but he’d lost it again.
He stayed out later than he’d planned and ended up at the office building he’d wanted to purchase for Tara. In all honesty, he still would. He loved that woman, even though she’d hurt him. He loved her fiercely and wanted to provide for her. He wanted her dreams to come true and he wanted to be the one who paved the way.
Even if they couldn’t be together, what mattered was that she and Marley were safe, healthy and happy.
By the time he made it to the house it was well after nine. He should’ve called, but really...why? They were in a sense still keeping up the pretense even though Marley knew the truth. Sam didn’t have the heart to tell her that even though they all loved one another, some relationships just weren’t meant to be.
He couldn’t say the words, because he was having a difficult time believing them himself. But love couldn’t override the fact that Tara would always second-guess his actions and decisions. He’d come too far to live in the past. One thing he’d learned from his counselor was that it was okay to think of what happened, why he was such a different man now, but he couldn’t be with people who pulled him back...no matter who they were.
The ache in his heart had only grown over the past week. Sleeping on the couch wasn’t ideal and he truly didn’t want to keep the charade up much longer. They were going to have to talk to each other and come up with a plan to talk to Marley.
Sam parked in the drive and headed toward the door. Daisy ran up and greeted him with a slobbery lick to his arm.
“Well, hello to you, too,” he said, rubbing her head. “You ready to go inside?”
He followed her up onto the deck and opened the screen door, making sure she got in before he closed the door.
When Marley didn’t come running toward him, he wondered where she was. Tara’s car was in the drive, and Marley always wanted a hug when he came home.
Daisy ran into the living room, but Sam stopped short when he spotted a note with his name on it hanging on the refrigerator.
He recognized Tara’s handwriting. Curious, he reached for the note and unfolded the paper.
It’s my turn to leave a note. I’m sorry. I trust you. I love you. My feelings are that simple, yet that scary. I need you in my heart if you can find it in yours to forgive me.
Sam reread the note at least twice more, his heart swelling each time. In all the years they’d known each other, she’d never left him a note. He’d always been the one who would drop her random ones here and there, and the fact she’d kept them did prove she loved him...loved them.
She was reaching out to him, acknowledging her mistake. Hadn’t he made a mistake, as well? Hadn’t he destroyed their happiness? What right did he have to get angry when all of her actions stemmed from him?
Sam folded the letter and started through the house. As soon as he reached the base of the steps, she rounded the landing and stood at the top.
With one hand resting on the newel post, he held up the letter with his other hand. “My first love letter.”
She offered a half smile and crossed her arms. “I thought it was time.”
“How’s Kate doing?”
“I haven’t heard anything.”
Gray had texted Sam and Noah earlier stating he was worried that this was too soon for the baby. Considering Sam had no experience with pregnancies or labor, all he could do was offer support.
“Where’s Marley?”
“She’s staying at Lucy and Noah’s tonight. I couldn’t get her away from the stables.”
“Maybe she needs a horse,” Sam supplied. “I could build her a barn.”
“You’d build anything for us, wouldn’t you?”
Sam nodded and propped his scuffed boot on the bottom step. “Did you mean this?” he asked, still holding the paper.
“Every bit of it, but there’s so much more and I don’t know...” She shook her head and sank onto the top step. “I never wanted to hurt you. I’m scared.”
Those last two words came out on a whisper and Sam started up the steps. Tara held out her hands.
“Wait,” she ordered. “If you’re not serious about us, if I’ve done too much damage, just don’t come closer
. I’m on the edge of losing it and I’m not sure how long I can keep holding it together.”
Sam continued until he sank onto the step beside her. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into his side.
“Stop holding it together,” he told her. “We’re supposed to be here for each other, right? We’re going to say things and do things that remind us of what happened. But we’re going to be stronger and I’m not letting you take the blame for this. Not when it’s all on me.”
Tara sniffed and rested her hand on his thigh. “You didn’t even make me beg for forgiveness or grovel.”
Sam tipped her chin up and kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, then her lips. “We’ve had a year of hell. I’m not wasting time doing anything other than loving you.”
Tara opened her mouth to his and he pulled her up and onto his lap. He cupped her chin and jaw with his hand, needing to feel the promise that only her kiss, her touch, could provide.
Tara’s fingertips slid over his shoulder and feathered against the side of his neck. Gently easing back, he nipped at her lips one last time.
“What made you think to write a note?” he asked. “You’ve never done that before.”
She smiled. “I want to be more like you. You’re so giving and selfless. You’re the man of my dreams and I want to do things that make you happy you’re here.”
Sam tightened his hold. “Being with you and Marley makes me happy. I don’t need anything else.”
“Should we go pick her up and let her know we’re all staying a family?”
“No.” Sam shifted her so she straddled his lap. “For tonight, it’s just us.”
Their next chapter began now and he was going to take full advantage of having his wife back for good.
Epilogue
“She is absolutely beautiful.”
Tara stared at the bundle of joy. Gray and Kate had gotten the all clear to bring their precious baby girl home after a two-week stay at the hospital. Now, Fallon was nearly two months old and surrounded by everyone who already loved her.
Emma and Marley were doting all over the pretty little clothes and had already made her a member of their “girls only” club.
“How are you feeling?” Tara asked.
“Doing really well.” Kate took a seat on the sofa next to Gray, who immediately wrapped his arm around her. “We’re ready to be a family.”
Tara understood that all too well. She and Sam were starting fresh and loving every single minute of it. There was something so special about getting a second chance and they’d both agreed they were going to make the most of each day, each moment.
Holding this sweet girl in her arms, Tara smiled and had a hopeful outlook for the future.
“I don’t want to overstay,” she stated as she carefully rose from her chair and crossed to Kate. “I wanted to bring some food by and let Marley see you guys.”
Noah, Lucy and Emma had just left. Sam had an important meeting he couldn’t get out of, but he’d texted her an address and told her to meet him there as soon as she was done.
“I hope you like chicken and dumplings,” Tara added. “Marley thought that was the best dish to bring.”
“That happens to be my favorite,” Gray stated as he shot Marley a wink.
“Can we bring Daisy next time we visit?” Marley asked, her tone full of hope—like that meeting would actually be a good idea.
“I’m pretty sure Daisy is a bit much for a newborn,” Tara said. “Maybe when she gets older, she can visit and play with Daisy.”
Marley nodded, her curls bouncing. “I can’t wait.”
“Don’t rush time, little one.” Tara patted Marley’s head and glanced at the adorable new family. “I need to go meet Sam, but if you guys need anything at all, please message me.”
“We will.” Kate cuddled her baby close to her chest and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “We’re so lucky to have such great friends.”
Tara ushered Marley toward the door and led her to the car.
“We’re going to meet Daddy and then we’ll go to dinner,” Tara stated as she drove through downtown Stonerock toward the address Sam had given her. “You get to pick the place.”
Marley clapped. “Really? Oh, I’ve really been wanting a steak. Can I get steak?”
Tara turned onto Cedar Street and glanced at the addresses on the buildings. Up ahead she saw Sam’s truck parked in a side parking lot.
“I say we all get a steak,” Tara replied as she pulled into the lot. “That sounds amazing.”
“What are we doing here?” Marley asked.
“I don’t know.” Tara shut off the engine and grabbed her purse. “Daddy had to work today and asked us to meet him here. Let’s go see if he’s ready because now I’m hungry.”
Tara got out of the car and waited for Marley to come around. She took her daughter’s hand and headed toward the front of the building as Sam stepped out the front door.
“How was the visit?” he asked as he leaned into her and kissed her cheek.
“The baby has grown so much in two months,” Tara said. “Marley and I are ready for dinner and she’s chosen steak. What are we doing here?”
Sam’s smile widened as he gestured toward the front door. “Go inside.”
Tara released Marley’s hand and tipped her head. “You’re awfully mysterious.”
She moved around him and pulled open the double doors. An empty space greeted her and she remembered.
Tara jerked her attention to Sam, who stood before her, smiling wide and holding Marley’s hand.
“You didn’t...”
Sam nodded. “I did. It’s officially yours.”
Tears burned her eyes and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe you did this,” she cried.
His arm came around her back as he eased away to kiss her forehead. “I knew I was buying it. No matter how we ended up, this was going to be yours.”
Oh, this man. He had a heart bigger than anyone she’d ever seen and he freely gifted every part of it to her. How did she get so blessed to be given this second chance? Not only a second chance with Sam, but at a new chapter in her career...and their personal life.
Tara pulled in a deep breath. “I have a little surprise of my own.”
Marley jumped up and down. “Another dog?” she squealed.
Tara laughed. “No, I think we’re good with Daisy.”
She directed her attention back to Sam and smiled. His eyes widened.
“What?” he asked. “Are you... Tara?”
She slid a hand over her flat abdomen. “I am.”
“What’s going on?” Marley cried. “Am I finally getting my iguana?”
Sam grabbed Tara again and whisked her around in a circle. As he set her on her feet, he showered her with kisses.
“Do you feel okay?” he asked, framing her face as he stared into her eyes. “Are you happy? Because I can’t tell you how I’m feeling. I can’t find the words.”
Tara laughed, placing her hands on his chest. “I hope that’s a good thing that you’re speechless. But, to answer your question, I’m feeling fine. I’m not sick or overly tired. Completely different from when I was with Marley.”
“Mom, what’s going on?”
Tara flashed a grin toward her daughter as she bent to get eye level. “You may not be getting an iguana, but how about a baby brother or sister?”
Marley’s jaw dropped and for a moment Tara didn’t know if she was going to say anything. Finally, she pumped her fist in the air.
“Yes,” she shouted. “I’ll take a brother and I want to name him George.”
Sam laughed and settled his hand on Tara’s shoulder. “We can’t order up what you want,” he told her. “But we’ll keep George as a possibility if the baby is a boy.”
/>
“How soon will we get the baby?” Marley asked.
Tara stood and leaned into her husband’s side. “Not until spring, so we have a while. But we’ll need to get a room ready for the baby. Can you help me with that?”
Marley gave an enthusiastic nod. “I’ve changed my mind. I want a girl so she can join our girls’ club with me, Emma and Fallon.”
“Well, we’ll have to wait and see,” Tara assured her. “But no matter what, I know you’re going to be the best big sister ever.”
Marley tipped her head and grinned. “Will you at least think about the iguana?”
Before Tara could reply, Sam chimed in. “We’ll think about it.”
Marley squealed again and started running in circles around the empty space. Her screams echoed in Tara’s ears, but it was the most precious noise. A happy, healthy girl and a life with the only man she’d ever loved.
She shifted against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know I’m not living with a reptile, right?”
Sam shrugged. “Maybe you’ll change your mind. You let me back in.”
Tara nipped at his lips. “That reminds me. You need to shred those papers you never signed.”
“Babe, I destroyed those long ago. I could never give you up.”
Tara’s heart swelled. She truly had it all now. Sam was back in her life, Marley had been healed and they were growing their family.
“You knew me better than I knew myself.”
Sam kissed her once more. “I knew us. You’re my life, Tara. You and these kids of ours will always be my life.”
Kids. She loved that word and couldn’t wait to start their fresh lives together.
* * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A Fortune’s Texas Reunion by Allison Leigh.
Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!
Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Special Edition story.
For Their Child's Sake Page 14
