What Matters Most by Reana Malori Read Free Book Online Page B

willing to share him.
    “Sierra, I can hear your brain thinking. Stop it,” Evan whispered into the silence of the room.
    “How did you know I was awake?” She avoided the real issue, but knowing Evan, he wouldn’t let it slide.
    “Because I know you. When there’s something on your mind, you take shallow, slow breaths so you can calm yourself and not give anything away.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against him, sharing the warmth of his body with hers. “Give it up, baby. What are you thinking about?”
    “You. Us. Dusty. How do we tell him things have changed?” While that wasn’t all that was on her mind, it was a good start.
    “We tell him the truth. Give Dusty more credit. He’s a smart kid, and I can guarantee you he’ll be happy we’re together.” He squeezed her tight. “I know that’s not what this is about. Is it because I said I love you? I do, Sierra. I think I knew I loved you after that first night in the kitchen when you looked so sexy standing at the kitchen sink.”
    Chuckling at such a silly statement, Sierra knew they were made for each other. “Oh, you did not, but if that’s your story, you go ahead and stick with that.” Grabbing hold of his arm, she pulled it more tightly around her body. “If you must know the truth, I’m worried about what will happen if you ever go back overseas. Don’t get me wrong--I will be here when you get home, and I will love you even more every day we’re together. But I worry about you. I want you to be safe, but I know that the Marines means everything to you.”
    Evan lifted up and turned Sierra to face him. “No, baby, not everything. For the longest time, the Marines was the only thing I knew. It was my life, and I was damn good at what I did.” Kissing her lightly, he took one hand and began to rub it over her breasts. He slowly made a trail to her slightly curved stomach. “My life is so much more now. I want to build a stronger life, and a home, with you and Dusty. And if you’ll grace me with another child to call my own, I’ll be luckiest man in the world.” He smiled at her as he made that last statement.
    “Evan, what are you saying?” Sierra didn’t want to mess this up and wasn’t taking any chances.
    “I’m asking you to marry me, Sierra. It may seem quick to some, but we’ve been building to this point since I started writing to you and Dusty all those months ago. You and he are what kept me going all those months.” He paused as he closed his eyes. “When I’m with you, the nightmares go away and I feel at peace.”
    “Marry you?”
    “Yes, white picket fence, two and one-half kids and a dog named Duke. I love you, Sierra, and I want to build a life with you.”
    Eyes glistening with tears, Sierra finally answered, “Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!” Wrapping her arms around her lover, she knew life couldn’t be any better than this. “We’ll have to tell Dusty first thing in the morning and celebrate.”
    She noticed the twinkle in his eye as his dimple came out to play. “Well, we have about seven more hours until we have to pick up Dusty. How about we have our own private celebration first?” The rough pads of his fingers snaked around her moist folds, and she knew exactly what kind of celebrating he wanted to do.
    “Yes, I think that’s a great idea. But this time, it’s my turn to drive you crazy with my special kisses. On your back, baby, it’s time for me to play with my new toy.”

Epilogue
     
     
    Life had never better. Evan could not have imagined things turning out the way they had. Standing beside Sierra as they welcomed family and friends for their honeymoon/Independence Day celebration, his gaze took in the scene around him and he smiled. He was filled with so much joy as he looked at all the family and friends surrounding him. After the many years of feeling alone, he was now surrounded by a loving woman and a son that he could call his own.
    After Sierra accepted