Always With Me

by Barbara Freethy

  "Are you kidding? This is absolutely perfect." He put his arms around her as they watched the show.

  It was beautiful and spectacular and wrapped up in Zach's embrace, she felt like there was no place she'd rather be.

  When the show ended, she let out a little sigh. "I guess that's it."

  "We could go back to your place, start up our own fireworks."

  She smiled at him. "I want to clean things up here before we leave. And then I have a lot of calls to make."

  "That's fine. I'll help."

  "You've done enough, Zach. You should go back to the inn or go down to the water. The party will still be going on for a while."

  "No. I'll see this through with you."

  He would see it through. He wasn't the kind of man who would ever walk away, ever quit, ever shirk his responsibility. Was she really going to be able to walk away from him?

  They got back to Gianna's apartment at one in the morning. Gianna had called all of Chloe's friends and family, leaving messages or sending texts to let them know about the birth and also about Kevin's worrisome status. Chloe would have a stream of visitors in the morning. She would definitely not be alone.

  "Tired?" Zach asked as she flopped down on the couch.

  "I am, but I also feel strangely invigorated. I wonder if doctors feel this way after delivering a baby."

  He sat down next to her, putting his hand on her thigh, as he gave her a smile. "You did good."

  "So did you. You were able to keep Chloe calm and focused."

  "I was trying not to look at what was happening on your end," he said dryly.

  "It freaked me out a little, too. I saw it, and I still don't know how she managed to deliver that baby."

  "I prefer not to think about it."

  She laughed. "Well, we can chalk that up to one of our craziest experiences."

  "I'll say. It happened so fast. I thought women went through hours of labor."

  "I think Chloe was in labor for a while, but she was so distraught over Kevin, so determined not to have the baby without him that she tried to pretend it wasn't happening." She paused, thinking how Chloe's whole attitude had changed after the baby had arrived. "But becoming a mother made her fierce. That little baby turned Chloe into a fighter, even with all the fear running through her. I'm in complete awe of her. She made me feel like a wimp."

  "You're not a wimp. Look what you did tonight. You delivered a kid."

  "Because I had to."

  "That's usually when courage comes out."

  "But I'm scared of too much," she said, shifting to face him. "I was trying to break up with you earlier."

  "I know. My life is complicated. You'd be taking on a seven-year-old. You'd have to deal with the Carvers and figure out what kind of career you could have here, at least for the foreseeable future. It's not fair of me to ask you to make all those sacrifices, but I love you too much to be fair. I wanted to be with you. That's the bottom line."

  She sucked in a quick breath at his intense words. "I love you, too, Zach. I've just made so many mistakes when it comes to men. I don't want to make another one. I don't want to get hurt, and I don't want to hurt you."

  "There are no guarantees in life. You have to trust yourself. And if it helps, you should know that I trust you completely."

  "Unless I decide to break up with you. Then you'll think I'm an idiot."

  "No. I'll just think I need to work harder to get you back."

  "You have so much else to work on."

  "I can't imagine a future that doesn't include you, Gianna. I've never been able to talk to anyone the way I talk to you. I've never felt so connected, so crazy in love, and I do mean never. I have cared about other people, but the way I feel about you is different. We came together a long time ago. And I don't think we ever really let each other go. This is our time."

  His impassioned speech made her heart swell with love and hope. "I want it to be our time."

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed her fingers. "Then give us a chance. You don't have to make final decisions right now. I'm not proposing, Gianna."

  "Thank goodness," she said with a little laugh.

  He gave her a happy grin. "Let's see what happens. Let's make as much time for each other as we can. I want you to get to know Hailey, and for her to get to know you. I can see our life together, but you need to see it, too. You need to feel what I feel." He took her hand and put it on his heart, and she could feel it pounding against his chest. "Finding you again—it put my heart back together."

  She blinked back a tear. "That's a beautiful thing to say."

  "It's the truth. I know you, and you know me."

  "Better than anyone," she whispered. "Better than I know myself. I never thought I'd find love back here in Whisper Lake, but I did."

  "I did, too." He leaned forward and gave her a tender kiss.

  "Let's go to bed. I don't want to just tell you how I feel; I want to show you."

  His eyes lit up. "I thought you'd never ask. And I promise to let you get some sleep…at some point."

  She laughed as she got to her feet and pulled him up. "I can't promise that at all."

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Zach stifled a yawn as he and Gianna walked into the medical center at eleven the next morning. Gianna had made good on her promise not to let him get much sleep, but it had been totally worth it.

  Having laid their hearts bare, they'd made love with even more intense emotion than they ever had before. This was the woman for him. He didn't imagine he could ever love anyone else. But he'd promised to go slow. As long as she didn't push him away, he'd move at whatever pace she wanted.

  When they got to Chloe's hospital room, they found her holding her son and surrounded by some of her friends: Hannah, Keira, Lizzie and Adam.

  Chloe looked better this morning—her eyes brighter, her skin not as pale, and at some point, she'd brushed her hair and pulled it back in a ponytail. Zach was happy to see the smile on her face. She'd been through a lot in the past twenty-four hours.

  "Here they are, my delivery team," Chloe said, waving them over to the bed.

  Gianna gave Chloe a hug and took a peek at her sleeping son. "He's still perfect," she said.

  "Thanks to you," Chloe said. "Should I call you Dr. Gianna now?"

  "Not for a second. I have even more appreciation for real doctors now and for women giving birth. I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon."

  "I would have liked to see you delivering Chloe's baby," Keira said with a laugh. "As I recall, you almost fainted once when you had to give blood."

  "Trust me, I had to fight that feeling," Gianna said with a laugh. "It was a crazy time. But Zach helped, too."

  "I just held Chloe's hand," he said, as the group focused on him. He saw varying degrees of emotion in their individual gazes, some of which were suspicious, some of which were approving. Gianna's friends were protective of her, and he could appreciate that. He didn't want anyone to hurt her, either.

  "Sorry if I squeezed your hand too hard, Zach," Chloe said.

  He gave her a smile. "Whatever pain I was going through was nothing compared to what you were going through. I don't know how women do what they do."

  "We are the stronger sex," Hannah said with a grin.

  "I can't argue with that."

  "I'm just sorry we were all out on the boat when you went into labor, Chloe," Lizzie put in. "We didn't have reception, so we didn't get Gianna's calls and texts until after it was all over."

  "I know you all would have helped if you could," Chloe said, her gaze sweeping the group. "But I am glad that Gianna was home. I was very upset, hysterical, in fact. I don't really remember a lot of what I said. Everything was happening at once. It was quite an extreme range of emotions." Her eyes dimmed as she stroked her baby's head. "I think this little guy knew he needed to make his appearance early."

  "Has there been any more information about your husband?" he asked.

  Chloe shook her
head. "I spoke to the leader of Kevin's unit this morning. They're very hopeful that they'll be able to bring Kevin home, but he couldn't tell me anything else. I could feel his optimism, so I'm trying to stay positive."

  "You should."

  "We're here for you," Adam said, putting a comforting hand on Chloe's shoulder. "Whatever you need, whenever you need it. I hope you know that."

  Chloe gave Adam a sweet smile. "Thank you. You're all spoiling me."

  "You deserve it," Lizzie said. "And Chelsea sends her congratulations. She'll be in to see you later."

  "I'm sure you're going to have a steady stream of visitors today," Gianna said. "I know Kevin's parents are trying to get here as soon as they can."

  "It will be nice to see them," Chloe said. "I did speak to them a little while ago. They're very concerned about Kevin, so I think seeing the baby will be a good distraction."

  Despite Chloe's outward smiles, he could see the struggle in her eyes to contain her fear. But at least she wasn't alone. She had her friends, and she had her son. He moved to the side as a nurse brushed past him.

  "Okay, this is a little too much excitement for our new mom," the nurse said. "She needs to rest. Out you go."

  They said their goodbyes and then filed out of the room.

  Adam waylaid him on his way down the hall.

  "I spoke to Ron Carver yesterday," Adam said. "He told me you've worked out your differences and that they're going to relinquish custody of their granddaughter to you. I felt like I was talking to an entirely different man."

  "Ron had a change of heart," he said, not going into detail. One part of his agreement with the Carvers was that Helen's secrets would stay secrets. He didn't think Ron even knew that Helen had broken into the antiques store. But he was dealing with enough heartache and betrayal, so there was no need to bring that up.

  "I'll say he did," Adam said, giving him a speculative look. "But Ron was very tired, very pale. He seemed defeated. I'd like to know what happened."

  "I think he and Helen are having some problems, but I'm sure they'll work it out," he said carefully.

  "And you're not going to tell me."

  He shrugged. "If you have more questions about the Carvers, you should ask them."

  "Well, I'm glad the custody situation is being resolved. I hate to see a kid caught in the middle of that."

  "Thankfully, that battle appears to be over."

  "And you'll be staying in Whisper Lake?"

  "Yes. I'm going to run my business from here."

  "That will be good for Hunter."

  "And for me. I'd like to see the camp all the way through the remodel."

  "The camp is another reason I'm glad you and the Carvers have made peace. I was afraid Hunter's dream was going to take a beating in the planning commission."

  "Hopefully, that won't happen." They walked down the hall to where Gianna and Lizzie were waiting by the elevator. The others had already left.

  "Everything okay?" Gianna asked, giving him a concerned look.

  "It's good," he assured her. "Adam was just telling me how happy he is that I'm working things out with the Carvers. Now he won't have to arrest me."

  "That wasn't exactly what I said, but the sentiment is correct," Adam said dryly. He turned to his sister. "Where is Chelsea? She skipped the boat ride last night and I called her this morning, but there was no answer."

  Lizzie shrugged. "Who knows? She sent me a quick text to say congrats to Chloe, but that was it. She hasn't been talking to me much."

  "I remember when we couldn't get her to shut up," Adam said. "She used to talk all the time."

  "And sing," Lizzie said. "It's sad that she doesn't do that anymore. It was so much a part of her."

  "I hope she's all right," Gianna put in. "Maybe I should reach out. I know what it's like to not be doing what you were born to do. I was in an artistic slump until Zach helped me get out of it."

  "How did he do that?" Lizzie asked with a curious smile.

  Gianna flushed, and he laughed. "Are you going to tell her?" he asked.

  "No," Gianna said pointedly.

  "That sounds like a good story," Lizzie said.

  "Let's just say Zach reminded me that art is a part of me and it's the way I express myself. Anyway, I'll give Chelsea a call."

  "It can't hurt," Lizzie said, stepping into the elevator as the doors opened.

  They rode down to the lobby and then parted ways with the Cole siblings in the parking lot.

  "What do you want to do now?" He took Gianna's hand as they walked back to his truck. "Do you have to work?"

  "Nora said she could cover the store today. I told her what happened with Chloe and she said I should get some rest."

  "So, we can go back to bed—I like it."

  She laughed. "You always like it."

  "I do. I like you."

  "You don't have to get Hailey?"

  "No. Mitch will pick her up from her friend's house this afternoon and take her to the movies. I'm free to hang with you for a few hours."

  "You might regret that," she said with a small laugh.

  "Why is that?"

  "Because I promised to meet my parents for lunch. How do you feel about seeing my dad again?"

  "I'm fine with it. I'd like to get to know your parents better."

  "And I want them to get to know you. But let's not tell them we're in love. I don't want to freak my father out."

  "I won't tell them, but I have a feeling they might guess—like the rest of your friends have."

  "Probably. But as long as you don't give me a ring any time soon, we can hopefully keep their concerns at bay. My father wants me to think before I jump."

  "Too late. We've already jumped."

  "Let's keep that as our little secret."

  He put a hand on her arm as she was about to open her door. She gave him a questioning look.

  "What?" she asked.

  "I am going to propose to you one of these days, Gianna. I want you to know that."

  "You wouldn't be scared I'd say yes and then bail on the wedding?"

  There was real concern in her voice. "Not even for a second. When we decide to get married, there won't be any doubt."

  "No, there won't," she agreed. "I didn't know who I was before, but I do now."

  "Speaking of which—any more word from your bio mom?"

  "She sent me a happy Fourth of July text and said her daughters are looking forward to meeting me when they get back from their trip."

  He was happy that her search for her mom had turned out so well.

  "Oh, and Jill asked her mom about my necklace, and Theresa admitted to taking it. She said she saw me pulling the locket back and forth on its chain every time I came to the dining room, and she knew instantly that I was Jill's daughter. She was afraid someone else might connect the locket with Jill, so she took it. She apparently still has it, so I may actually get it back."

  "Do you think you'll speak to Theresa again?"

  "I don't know. I'm not that interested in a relationship with her. Lying at the time of my birth was one thing but lying to my face a few days ago was ridiculous. I don't need to spend time with someone who is that uninterested in knowing me."

  "Her loss," he said, putting his hands on her waist.

  "What are you doing?" she asked with a laugh.

  "I need a kiss before we get in the truck."

  "You can't wait?" she teased.

  "It's been hours, and I've been waiting for this—for us—since I was sixteen."

  "I'm glad we got a second chance, Zach. Let's not blow it."

  "We won't," he promised.

  She put a hand against his chest before he could take the kiss he wanted. "I've already made one decision, Zach. I'm going to stay in Whisper Lake. It's my home, and the friends I have here are important to me. But they're not the reason I'm staying; you are. I love you. When I said I know who I am now, it's not because I found my birth mother—it's because I found you again, becau
se you made me remember the girl I used to be, and you gave me the courage to push past my fears and my insecurities. I owe you a lot."

  The love in her eyes almost undid him. "I owe you more, Gianna. You've had my back in my fight for Hailey. You've been there when I needed you. And I'm not just talking about now. You brought me back to life a long time ago. I always thought the lake healed me, but it was you."

  "I always want to be there for you, Zach. You said you could see our future, but I needed to see it, too. Well, I can see it, and it's going to be amazing. And one day, if you ask me, I will walk down the aisle, and I will not run away."

  "Whenever you're ready," he promised. "I know you're making sacrifices for our relationship, Gianna. You're not just taking me on but also Hailey. But I am going to do everything I can to make you happy."

  "I know you will. But I'm not really sacrificing anything. I can paint here. I can make my career work. And hopefully, I'll be good for Hailey, too. What's most important is that we're together. We have our second chance. I don't want to waste it."

  "We won't. Can I kiss you now? Because it has been way too long."

  She lifted her sweet lips to his, and he couldn't help thinking that if this kiss went on forever, it wouldn't be nearly long enough.

  I hope you enjoyed Gianna and Zach's love story. There is a lot more to come in the WHISPER LAKE SERIES. You'll want to keep reading to find out what happens with Chloe's missing husband, learn more about the Coles, and watch Gianna, Zach and Hailey become a family. You'll also meet interesting new characters, who will bring you romance, drama and adventure in every story.

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  Don't miss the next book in the series, MY WILDEST DREAM, where Chelsea Cole's dark past threatens the new life she is building for herself.

  PRE-ORDER MY WILDEST DREAM!

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