She joked to lighten the mood, but Nate wasn’t interested in levity. Not when so much still hung in the balance. “I didn’t say half of what I wanted to say.”
“We don’t have to do this tonight, Nate. It’s Christmas Eve and everyone’s inside waiting. I don’t expect you to make a big scene for my benefit. I wouldn’t be here tonight if I hadn’t really listened to what you said today.”
Nate wasn’t good at apologies. He wasn’t good at any of this emotional shit. He’d been dead since the day Miranda betrayed him and finally he felt like he was ready to join the land of the living. He was ready to quit wallowing in his own self-pity. He wanted to be happy. He wanted to heal from all of the tragedy that had weighed him down over the past few years.
“This isn’t about making a scene. This is about making things right and starting fresh. I want you to know that I don’t expect to pick right up where we left off,” he said. Nate swallowed against the lump of emotion in his throat. The swell of hope that threatened to choke the air from his lungs. “I know that I need to earn your trust and respect back. That the things I said to you can’t be fixed with a simple apology. I’m willing to take it slow, Chloe. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win you back and to prove to you that I’ll never disrespect you like that again.”
She smiled up at him, the expression so soft that it melted Nate’s heart. “Do you really think I could do what I do for a living and not believe in second chances, Nate?”
Relief washed over him. Nate lowered his mouth to Chloe’s in a slow kiss. Her arms came around him as she rose on her toes and her body melted into his as though they were no longer two people, but a single form. They came slowly apart, their lips lingering. Nate murmured against her mouth, “I’ll never give you a reason to have to give me a third chance.”
“No one’s perfect, Nate.” She kissed him once, quickly. “I sure as hell don’t expect you to be. Your love is all the reassurance I need.”
“I do love you.” He pulled away to gaze into her face, wanting her to see as well as hear his sincerity. “I didn’t think I’d ever love anyone again, and you proved me wrong.”
“I love you, too, Nate. I think I might’ve fallen in love with you that first night.”
“In the coat closet?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
Chloe laughed. “Definitely in the coat closet.”
From the window, Nate noticed Derrick waving them inside. “You’ve got a houseguest for a while, huh?”
“Yep. It might end up being permanent. Does that bother you?”
Nate grabbed Chloe’s hand and twined his fingers with hers. “Absolutely not. I sort of like that little shit.”
“Good.” She squeezed his hand. “Because I sort of do, too.”
When they didn’t immediately go inside, Derrick threw open the door. “Hurry up, guys! Dinner’s ready!” The kid looked ready to gnaw his own arm off. “You should see the spread, Chloe. So much better than a cow’s asshole!”
Nate couldn’t control his laughter and it spluttered from his lips.
“Language!” Chloe shouted, but the kid was already hightailing it for the dining room.
“So,” Nate began as he pulled open the door for her. “Did you cash my check?”
“Are you kidding?” Chloe said with a laugh. “I deposited that bad boy fifteen minutes after you left.”
“Good. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with it.”
“Oh, I have plans,” she said archly. “First things first, I think we need a new name.”
“Yeah? What were you thinking?”
They headed to the dining room where Nate’s brothers and the kids were settling down at the table. Chloe paused to look at him. “I want to call it the Nate Christensen Foundation.”
Nate smoothed a thumb over her cheek. “I didn’t give you that money for bragging rights, darlin’.”
Her gaze went liquid and it stirred Nate’s blood. Goddamn, he’d never met a more amazing woman. “I know that,” she said, low. “Like you said, this money is about your legacy. I want this to be the start of it.”
“You two ready to eat?” Carter asked as he got his girls situated and set up with plates. “Or would you rather stand at the head of the table and make goofy faces at each other all night? I mean, I’m okay with that; I’m sure we could all use the entertainment.”
Nate threw his brother a look. “Hush.” He placed a quick kiss at Chloe’s temple. “I love you.”
“It’s a damned good thing, too,” she replied. “Because you’re never getting rid of me.”
Nate led her to the table and pulled out a chair. Chloe took a seat next to Derrick and he eased her in toward the table. “Good. Because you’re not getting rid of me, either.”
Peace settled over Nate’s heart and soul. He had everything he’d ever need right here in this room. And he was never letting any of it go. Finally, life was good.