He climbs back up and pulls me toward him so we’re both sitting face to face. We’re naked and completely bared to each other. “I never got married or had children. There wasn’t anyone else in this world I wanted to do that with. Except for you.” His thumb glides across my lips. “You’re going to marry me someday, and I’ll be anything Logan and Cayden need. A friend, a father, and a protector. I’ll love the three of you with everything I have. And I know you’re not ready yet, but know I was ready six months ago.”

I smile and shake my head. “You’re that sure, huh?”

He grins back while pushing me against the pillow. “I’m sure that I’m going to marry you, and then we’re going to make a very special family.”

I want to give him all of those things. “Maybe we should spend some time practicing?” I offer.

“Ahh,” he says as his fingers press against my core. “So you think I need to train?”

Zach makes circles and my eyes close. “You’re doing . . .” I start, but it feels too good to talk. “So good.”

He goes back down, only this time he doesn’t stop. His hands lift my legs as he licks and swirls his tongue against my clit. “Zach.” I moan.

He keeps going as my head tosses back and forth. Holy shit. I’m going to explode. He keeps going as I grip the sheets. I writhe and moan as he bites down, taking me over the crest. “Zach!” I yell as my orgasm rocks me. My breathing is heavy, and I swear my bones liquefy.

I look down at him and he winks. “Now what were you saying about practice?”

“I think you’re good,” I say breathlessly. “But I think I could use a go in the batter’s box.”

I push him on his back and toss my hair over my shoulder. I want to watch his face. I kiss my way down to his dick, using my tongue to circle the tip. “Pres,” he warns. I know what he likes, and it’s not when I toy with him. But it’s my favorite part. Watching him become so desperate that he is so close to losing it.

There’s something so erotic about him lying here with his hands behind his head as I pleasure him. Instead of my typical cat and mouse routine, I decide to surprise him. I open my mouth and take him deep.

“Fuck!” he yells and leans up. “Holy shit!”

I smile to myself as I bob my head. I take his length while paying extra attention to the tip. Each grunt and groan that falls from his lips spurs me on. I want to please him, show how much I love him through my body.

“Darlin’,” he pants. “Baby,” he grunts. “Stop. You have to stop.” His hips buck, forcing me to take him deeper. “I’m gonna come if you don’t stop. I want to be inside of you,” he stresses.

I pull back, and he pounces. Within a second, he has me pinned beneath him. “I love you.”

“I love you,” I say.

“Don’t ever stop,” he says as he enters me.

My eyes roll back as I feel him fill me. “I won’t,” I promise.

We make love. Sometimes it’s really sweet and slow, other moments it’s frantic. I cling to him as my second orgasm hits me like a freight train. He tells me how beautiful I am, how much he wants me, and how he needs me.

I feel more tied to him than I ever have. Today we gave each other everything we have, and there’s no way I can get that piece of myself back, even if I wanted to. My life with Zach will never be easy—both of us are too hardheaded—but it’ll be worth every tear shed. He’s where I’m meant to be.

We lie here, entwined in the sheets. “I want to talk to Logan,” he states.

“About?”

“Us.” Zach rolls over and places his hand on my hip. “You mentioned that he feels bad. I don’t want him to worry.”

I nod. “He needs that.”

“I think we all do. I think Cayden and I should get a few minutes together too.”

I place my hand on the side of his face. “Okay.” I smile. “Let’s talk to them.”

“First, I think we should make up one more time just to be sure.”

I giggle as he yanks me on top of him.

One more time is the least I can do to ensure we’re fully made up.

Zachary

I’ VE NEVER BEEN SO NERVOUS about seeing the boys, but the last time was horrible. Watching them cry and cling to Presley like that pulverized me.

Knowing that I had a hand in them finding out that way is killing me.

They may not be mine, but they’re a part of her, which means they’re a part of me. I meant every word I said to her—I’ll be whatever they need.

“Hey guys.” I try to give them an easy smile and hope it looks that way.

“Zach!” Logan rushes over, and I open my arms. “I’m sorry I hit you,” he says immediately.

He gives me a big hug, and I hold on to his shoulders. I want him to really hear me.

“It’s water under the bridge, little man.” I hate that this kid felt torn up about it. If I saw someone yelling at my mama, they’d have to deal with the three of us boys. “I think it’s admirable the way you defended your mama. It showed real strength and courage.”

“I didn’t hurt you too bad?”

I keep my face stoic. “I had to ice my leg.” I pretend to stretch it. “But it’ll be fine.” Logan beams with pride, and I can’t help but to feel proud too.

Cayden hops down off the porch, and I wait to hear what he has to say. “Does this mean I won’t be a Benson anymore?”

Presley walks over and puts her hand on my arm. I figure she wants to take this one. “You’ll always be a part of your dad. He gave you life, his name, a home, and so much more. Your name will never change, even if someday mine does.”

If the boys weren’t here, I’d be telling her it most definitely is changing. Pretty soon, I’m going to make sure the entire world knows who she belongs to.

“I want you guys to know something,” I explain. “I’m always here for you. Always. If you want to talk or learn some pretty cool pranks—I’m your guy. I grew up with Trent, who did it to me, and I turned around and did it to Wyatt.”

They both laugh.

“But seriously, I care about all three of you very much.” I hesitate a little about telling them how much I love Presley. They’ve had a rough couple of days, and there’s still a right time for things. I would rather show them how much she means to me than say the words.