‘‘Make a life with me, one that comes from love, one that I can watch grow in you. Only a fool would believe that what comes from what we have together would be anything but beautiful.’’

She framed his face with her hands, took that picture into her heart. ‘‘Before I answer, I need to know that this is what you want, not just for me but for yourself.’’

‘‘I want a family. I want to build what my parents built, and I need to build it with you.’’

Her lips curved slowly. ‘‘I’ll marry you, Ethan. I’ll give you my daughter. I’ll make children with you. And we’ll take care of each other.’’

He drew her close, just to hold, while the sun slipped away and the light shimmered into evening. Her heart beat quick and light against his. Her single quiet sigh echoed seconds before the whippoorwill began to sing in the plum tree next door.

‘‘I was afraid you weren’t going to be able to forgive me.’’

‘‘So was I.’’

‘‘Then I figured, hell, she loves me too much. I can get around her.’’ The laugh rumbled out as he nuzzled her throat. ‘‘You’re not the only one who can reel somebody in like a damn rockfish.’’

‘‘Took you long enough to bait the hook.’’

‘‘If you take your time about things, you end up with the best at the end of the day.’’ He buried his face in her hair, wanting the scent and the texture. ‘‘Now, I’ve got the best. Good, solid stoneware.’’

Laughing, she leaned back so she could see his eyes. The humor there, she thought, was aimed at both of them. ‘‘You’re a smart man, Ethan.’’

‘‘Few hours ago you said I was stupid.’’

‘‘You were.’’ She pressed a noisy kiss on his cheek. ‘‘Now you’re smart.’’

‘‘I missed you, Grace.’’

She closed her eyes and held tight, thinking it was a day for forgiveness. And hope. And beginnings. ‘‘I missed you, Ethan.’’ She sighed, then gave the air a puzzled sniff. ‘‘Peanuts,’’ she said and snuggled against him. ‘‘That’s funny. I could swear I smell peanuts.’’

‘‘I’ll explain it to you.’’ He tilted her head up for one soft kiss. ‘‘In a little while.’’

Turn the page for a preview of

INNER HARBOR

Nora Roberts’s trilogy about the lives and loves
of three brothers continues with a
captivating novel . . .

Phillip Quinn would always remember the generosity of the couple who took him in and gave him a second chance at life. And he vowed to keep his promise to his father by helping to raise young Seth. Even through the dif.cult times, the Quinn family had never been so strong. Until Phillip falls in love with a beautiful woman who holds a secret that could destroy everything . . .

Inner Harbor is available in paperback
from Jove Books