“No one can take our happiness.”

She wished that were true, but everyone who’d ever come into her life that mattered took what little happiness she’d been able to make for herself.

With Luke, she felt the potential to finally have it all. Love. A real family. A father the boys deserved. A man she could count on.

If only she could make it all happen.

“My time here is coming to an end soon. The kids love it here, but they also miss home, having their things around them, and their friends.”

Instead of telling her he wanted her to stay again, Luke surprised her and asked, “What’s your place like?”

“We live in a big house in a gated community, so they know we’re better off than most. I wanted them to have room to play and be outside where it was safe. We live on a third-acre with a pool and a play yard. They have a tree house with a slide. It’s really cool. We have a huge lawn for them to run and play ball. Everything little boys need to use their imaginations and spread their wings. I never had anything like that growing up, so I spoiled them with it. And they have half a dozen friends in the neighborhood, who come over all the time.”

“You worked hard to give them a good life. You always put them first, despite the long hours and sacrifices you make for them. I can see why you’d want to spoil them.”

“I want Jack and Nick to have the best in life, but that doesn’t mean they get everything they set their eyes on. I want them to appreciate real things. Family. True friends. Honesty. Trust. Love.”

“All the things Sean never gave or taught them.” Luke brushed his fingers through her hair. “You’re a good mom. You’re conscious about the decisions you make. You always try to do right by them. That’s admirable.”

“I just want them to know they’re loved. Buying them the latest and greatest toy or game won’t show them how much I love them. But playing tag in the backyard . . . I hope they’ll remember that for a lifetime.”

Luke took her hand. “Do you want to have more children?”

“I’d love to have a couple more.”

His eyes went wide. “Really? A couple?”

“I love being a mom. Based on how much you love playing with the boys, I’m guessing you’d like to have your own children.”

“I would.”

“Our enthusiasm for each other last night overrode good sense. We got carried away. You may get your wish.” She waited for hesitation or anger. She even braced herself for an accusation that she’d done it on purpose to trap him. But he appeared absolutely pleased by the idea, judging by the smile and thoughtful look in his eyes.

“I’ve never been in love like this before, where nothing matters more than being with you. I’m usually so careful. I always use protection, but last night, and this morning, I just got lost in you and how you make me feel and I wanted to experience every bit of it.”