I had another trip to the Maldives planned soon, but I’d limit the length of it. I had good people on my team. I knew I didn’t have to do everything myself.

As the helicopter descended, I spotted a figure waiting on the landing pad and my smile widened.

There was my fairy queen.

As soon as the pilot set down, I murmured my thanks and threw the door open. I strode across the landing pad.

Tessa was running toward me. She leaped and I caught her.

I kissed her long and hard, then let my mouth travel down her neck, over her beautiful, pale skin.

“You’re home,” she said breathlessly.

“I am.” And I realized home wasn’t a building or a house, it was her. It was the love she gave me every second I was with her.

I’d never had love before. I’d had cold indifference or just nothing from my parents who sometimes forgot they had a child.

My child would never, ever feel like that.

I jolted. I’d never thought about having kids before. Not once. I’d sometimes had the vague idea that I never wanted them.

But I could picture them with Tessa. I could picture her with a round belly, growing our child, and her being a fierce, loving mother.

Shit. My throat tightened.

“You okay?” She was watching me.

I nibbled on her lips again. “I am now. Now that I’m home with you.”

Her face softened. “I missed you.”

I curled an arm around her shoulders, and we headed for the door. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Is it more jewelry?” She held up her wrist. There was another bracelet to match the one her parents had given her. I’d had the jeweler make it with tiger’s eye—which Tessa thought matched my eyes—and brown tourmaline—which was the same shade as her eyes.

“No. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“I have one for you too. It’s small so don’t get too excited.”

Mine was not small. I felt a flush of uncharacteristic nerves. What if she didn’t like it?

She’ll like it, Langston.

“Come on.” Inside, we headed for my office. Lots of staff members called out hellos and waved, welcoming me back.

It was…nice. I’d never cared too much about what people thought of me. I’d been so focused on my work and that was all I’d cared about. I’d never stayed anywhere long enough to form strong friendships—except for my executive team—or get to know people.

I dropped my gear on my desk, then grabbed Tessa’s hand. “Come with me.”

In the hall, I spotted Jazz wearing a jaunty dress covered in red poppies.

“Hi, Jazz. Tessa is off the clock for an hour.”

“What?” Tessa’s brow creased.

“Sure thing, boss man,” Jazz said with a smile.