Everything feels different. That ache and worry, the constant need to be on guard—it’s gone. I finally fully gave in to what my heart wants, and I’ve never felt so light and refreshed.

I wake in the arms of the greatest man, feeling treasured, even with him lightly snoring near my ear.

Once I faced the fact that I wanted Drew, that I was ready for that step, I felt like a crazed sexual fiend who couldn’t get enough. I knew it wasn’t just about the sex, but that was fantastic. It was the way Drew looked at me while moving within me. The way his eyes spoke volumes, like he could see right into my soul. Soft, gentle touches that made me feel as if no one had ever been more loved than me. Drew gave me all that.

I thought nothing could make me feel more desired—until now.

He holds me as if I’m his lifeline. His arm is curled around my waist, securely grasping my body to his. It’s all right to admit that I need this man, and in turn, I feel he needs the same. I love being needed by a man like Drew. It isn’t a selfish love but one of purity.

“Good morning, beautiful,” his husky voice whispers. “I don’t remember ever sleeping so soundly.”

I smile. “Me either,” I confess. “It feels good to be in your arms.”

“I’d love nothing more than to spend my entire day wrapped up with you in these sheets.”

I know there is a but coming.

“But I have to get Dawson, and I promised my mother we’d join them for lunch.”

I can feel his impressive hardness against my backside, and during his little speech, I might have been a little distracted. As I wiggle against him, a low hiss escapes him, and his arm tightens around me.

“You make it difficult to remain on task,” he groans, biting my earlobe. His hand now glides along my side and over my hip. “It would be so easy to get lost in you, forgetting all other responsibilities. Because you, Miss Halloway, are extremely addictive.”

“As are you,” I say without hesitation.

“I do, however, think we can spare at least twenty minutes,” he adds, his hand slipping around and descending to the apex of my thighs. “The things I can give you in that short amount of time—”

“Will be more than enough to hold me off for a few hours,” I finish his sentence.

Laughter falls from his lips.

“So confident,” he adds as he pushes himself against me. The fact that he is turned on cannot be missed. “But never will it be enough.”

With one very impressive move, Drew twists me over, and his body is now hovering above me. Apparently, the man possesses ninja moves.

I stare up at him as he descends upon me, his lips messing with mine in a hungry kiss. I’m unable to hold back my moan, lifting my legs to securely wrap them around his waist. I rock against him, begging without words for him to fill me.

And he does.

One quick drive forward, and my back arches as he kisses down my neck. Never have I ever felt so full, both physically and emotionally, as our bodies take over, and our desires give in to the need we both feel.

* * *

“You sound happy,” my mother says as I slip outside onto the back deck to take her phone call.

Just inside, I can see Drew and Dawson as they gather in the living room of Drew’s parents’ house. Their smiles alone light up my day.

“I am,” I assure her, feeling carefree and airy. “He’s amazing, and Dawson is the sweetest little boy ever. There’s no possible way I could be anything other than happy when I’m with them.”

“You’ll never understand just how much peace it gives me to know that they’ve found you.”

I close my eyes for a moment, taking in her words. I can only imagine the heartache my mother felt when I withdrew from everyone—the not knowing and being unable to help. It makes my past that much harder. Not only did that asshole take something from me, but he also took from those I love.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I say without thinking. “I’m sorry I ran away and made you worry all those times.”

Tears threaten to spill over, but I do my very best to fight them.

“I might never understand what led you to do what you did. I hope, one day, we can talk about it, but I’ve always known that, somehow, you’d find your way. You did, and from what I hear, Drew is quite the successful, attractive man.”

I can hear the smile in her voice.

I look through the door once more and find that Drew is now watching me. A look of worry covers his face. I smile, attempting to reassure him that I’m good. I’m more than good.

“Someone’s been talking to Aimee,” I say with a laugh.

“Yeah,” she replies, “and I think your friend might have a little man crush on your fella.”

I’ve seen the ogling looks Aimee has tossed at Drew when he’s not looking. She, of course, doesn’t even attempt to hide them from me, but it makes me laugh every time. My breath of fresh air, she’s the one who always, even in the darkest times, makes me feel better.

“She can look,” I say, letting the words die.

“But never can she touch or else,” my mother finishes with a chuckle. “You tell that man to treat my girl right, and I’ll be visiting the city someday soon. I can’t wait to hug the two who brought back my sweet girl.”

Again, those emotions tug at my heart, for all we’ve lost as a mother and daughter. I want those times back. I want her here, part of my life. In that moment, I make a promise to myself that I’ll work my hardest to make that happen.

I miss my mother.

“I love you, Mom,” I tell her.

“And I love you,” she says just before we end the call.

I remain on the deck, looking in at the family who has buried themselves deep in my heart. Not only Drew and Dawson, but Miranda and Vincent, too. I’m lucky for so many reasons, but to have them as part of my life is the greatest blessing.

Drew meets my gaze once more, and once he realizes I’m no longer on the phone, he moves toward the back door. Sliding open the door, he steps out and closes it behind him.

“Is everything okay?” He moves toward me, again looking concerned. “You look sad.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s the opposite. I’m so happy.”

He places his hands on my hips and pulls me in against him.

“The only thing missing is my mom.”

With a tilt of his head, he remains silent.

“When I left home, I did it in a hurry.” My confession burns inside me like acid. It is something I’ve never talked about. “It was so unfair to her, to Aimee. It’s hard, knowing what I put them through. I know they don’t hold grudges, but inside, I still battle with that loss. I still battle with the guilt. If I could change anything about what took place, it would be the way I left them without any answers.”

Tears fill my eyes, and I look away, only he stops me.

With his palm pressing firmly to my cheek, he turns me to face him once again. “What would it take to get her here?”

His question surprises me, but the seriousness in his eyes is confirmation that, he would do anything he could to take away this ache inside me.

“You tell me, and I’ll do it.”

Rising up on the tips of my toes, I press my lips to his. “Your need to protect me is overwhelming,” I confess.

“I’ll always protect you.”

My heart aches with the intensity Drew’s love invokes.

“Thank you,” I whisper, “for finding me.”

He leans in, pressing his forehead to mine, and we remain in that very spot, both saying nothing. Just a silent moment as I try to calm my emotions.

“No,” he whispers, “thank you, Reagan, for finding me.”