“Get out,” I said irritably. “You have a class to teach with Jackie, not a babysitting job here with me.” I handed Dean a mug of coffee and aimed him toward the door.

“Did you at least think about what I said?” he asked, casting me a doubtful glance. “Obviously, you’re going to do what you want, but think about it.” He smiled a concerned smile. “Joe has a lot to lose. So do you.”

“I love you for caring,” I said sincerely. “I’ve got a lot on my plate right now…”

“Just give yourselves a little space,” he said. “Let the dust settle.” He headed for the car. “I love you, Mags. Believe it or not, I’m here for you.”

I nodded and waved, watching the car roll off. It was early still, but the day was already stifling hot. There was a children’s outreach event scheduled for the afternoon near Waco. We’d be giving out clothing and school supplies. Jackie had arranged for a free immunization clinic and food boxes for those most in need. For a country so wealthy, the needs out there were still staggering. It was hard to believe, without seeing it for yourself.

I stuffed the remains of the last stale donut in my mouth and shot an eye at the clock. If I hurried, I had time for the shower I hadn’t had last night. The lack of sleep…? Well, that would have to work itself out. All in all, I was grateful to have a long drive and a busy day ahead of me. Thinking was the last thing I needed right now. I needed work… good hard work and a concrete sense of accomplishment. I stripped off my cotton nightgown, lifted the handle, and stepped under the flood of cold water.

I shampooed my hair within an inch of its life, but lathered and rinsed the rest of my body quickly. All my tender places were still very sore… and even the touch of my own hands reminded me of his. It had only been yesterday…

I dried off brusquely and dressed in jeans and a pink cotton tee. I brushed out my hair and twisted it up onto the back of my head and clipped it into place. Long soft strands were already escaping in the heat and curling around my face.

I made a few fast phone calls and poured the last of the coffee into a travel mug. Hesitating at the door, I went back to grab a nice business jacket. What harm was there in looking the part?

“Maggie?”

My heart stopped at the sound of his voice. I knew we’d have to talk at some point, but…

“Joe.” I opened the screen door and he smiled.

“You look lovely,” he said, his voice deep, his eyes sparkling sensuously. I felt my heart quicken its pace.

“I was just heading out,” I said awkwardly. “We’ve got an event today… I can’t be late.”

“We need to talk, Maggie. A hell of a lot has happened between us, and whether we like it or not, it involves other people, too. There’s so much I need to say…”

Part of me wanted to forget the day… forget my responsibilities. We did need to talk… But I was afraid of what he might tell me.

“I’ll be back late,” I said, unable to meet his eyes. “We could meet tomorrow morning,” I offered.

“Or I could come with you,” he said, smiling again, in his irresistible way. “Give me three minutes and I’ll be back with my gear. I’ll get some more photos for my story, and you can hear me out.

I’ve got a proposition to make.”

* * *

“Complete funding…?” The words caught in my throat. “You’re offering me full funding for RemedAid?” I took a deep, cleansing breath and gripped the wheel a little tighter.

“Not just limited to Texas. Not even the U.S.… I’m offering you the chance to make your foundation international, if you like.”

“The Decker money…,” I whispered.

“I’ve seen what you’re capable of, Maggie. Up close… in person.” He put a warm hand on my thigh, and the sensation shot all the way up. “If there’s anyone who can make a real difference, it’s you, sweetheart.

All the years I spent in an office, managing the news, growing the business… I lost track of the passion behind it all. I forgot what it feels like, to have a vision. You gave that back to me, Maggie.” He reached up and tangled a finger in one loose curl. “I love you…”

He traced the line of my neck with his fingertip… down my arm… he took my hand and held it, captured in his lap. “I promised you a lifetime of tomorrows… and I meant it. All of it…

Every touch, every word… every second between us was real, and I can’t live without that. I won’t…”

The sense of relief and happiness that flooded me left me giddy and breathless. I pulled off the road…

“Maggie,” he moaned, as I threw myself into his arms. “I don’t want to be apart again, not for a single night of our lives… There’s so much ahead of us…” He kissed me until my whole body burned with need. “I won’t ever let you go…”

“I was afraid it couldn’t be real,” I admitted, looking into his eyes. “Dean was so angry… he almost made me believe…”

“That I couldn’t see you, Maggie?” he asked gently. “That I just wanted your body… without really seeing and loving the amazing woman you’ve become?” He caressed my face, my lips… my body… all of me, like he was touching me for the very first time.

“I’m not a kid anymore,” he said softly. “And you are wiser than you may ever know, sweetheart. I love you… all of you. And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

I traced the line of his strong jaw and sighed deeply. “What if wanting me means losing your company?” I asked. ‘You would be risking everything by crossing your grandmother. Even if Dean eventually came around, she never would… And she has a great deal of power.”

“Not the power to choose my wife,” he answered steadily. “Dad left money behind that even she can’t touch. And I’ve made more than a few lucrative investments over the years.” He kissed me again. “There’s more than enough to make all our dreams come true. Your foundation, for you… and for me…? You’re all the dream I need…

And I still owe you a promise.”