She lifted her face to the sky and begged the Lord to help her let a good man down—the best man down. To verbalize the words she had to say would destroy any chance she had of true happiness, but she would do it for Harry. He deserved the things she couldn’t give him. And so did Sammy.

“I’m no good for you, Harry.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? I know what I need. And I know what Sammy needs. We need you.”

Her chin quivered. She bit her bottom lip to make it stop and tasted blood. This was so much harder than she had imagined.

Straightening, she lifted her chin. “You don’t understand. I’ve seen two specialists, and they’ve both confirmed it. I’m broken, Harry. I can’t have children.” A tear seeped down the side of her face.

In two steps, he had her in his arms and kissed the tear. “I’ve known that since our last assignment together.”

“What?” She tried to pull away.

He didn’t let her.

“I overheard the doctor when you were in hospital. I’ve known it all along. Your physical state has no bearing on my feelings for you.”

“But Sammy needs siblings.”

“My dear, can you imagine dealing with two or three more like him?” Harry laughed.

“Sammy’s a great lad,” she said, charging to his son’s defense.

“I agree. But let’s face it—he’s a challenge.” Harry picked up her hand and laced his fingers with hers, then gave them a squeeze. His gaze sharpened. “Do you want a child of your own? Is that what this is about?”

“I did for a while, but after I spent more time with Sammy . . .”

“He cured you?” Harry teased.

She shoved his shoulder. “Sammy’s special. He’s full of faith and is such a brave lad. When we were in the forest and I worried how to best protect him, his faith sustained me. I couldn’t have been prouder of him than if he were my own flesh and blood. I realized then how much I loved him and that I’d go to any lengths to save him.”

Harry touched her cheek, his fingers trailing to her jaw. “Anything else you want to confess?” he asked.

“Not particularly.” If Harry didn’t see a problem with her broken body, should she drop her resistance and accept him? “Perhaps you could hire me an estate manager?”

He kissed her, a quick peck on her lips. “No need. I officially volunteer for the job, at least part time.”

Elise opened her mouth to object. Harry placed his free hand over her lips and kissed her nose.