A Crazy Kind of Love (34 page)

“I can’t live without that,” he said quietly, lowering his voice so that only she could hear him now. “Can’t live without
you
.”

“Lucas . . .” Tears blurred her vision and she blinked them back frantically, not wanting to miss a moment of this.

“I need you, Mike. I
love
you.” He pulled her closer, until she had to tip her head back to keep their gazes locked. “Without you, nothing is right. The house is empty,
I’m
empty.”

“Lucas, I love you, I just—”

“I want to marry you, Mike. I want you to drive me nuts every day and I want to hold you every night. I want us to build a life together. I need you in my life, Mike. Without you, there’s
nothing
.”

“Oh God . . .”

“I want
you
. I want our baby.” He bent, brushed a kiss onto her forehead, then straightened up and grinned at her. “I want
surprises
.”

Everything in her went warm and liquid. Her knees wobbled and she was grateful for the tight hold he had on her. This was all she’d ever wanted. Someone to love her for
her
.

“Rocket Man,” she whispered, reaching up to cup his face between her palms. “I
do
love you.”

He grinned. “Thank
God
.”

“And yes, I’ll marry you.”

Behind them, someone applauded.

Jo muttered, “Hallelujah. Now we can get some work done.”

Lucas laughed.

“And I promise
plenty
of surprises,” she said, going up on her toes to link her arms behind his neck.

Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her off her feet and laughed even louder. “Bring ’em on, Michaela.
I’m a changed man. With you beside me, I can take anything you can dish out.”

“Oh yeah?” she challenged, laughing with him as the crowd got to their feet to cheer. “Here’s one for you . . . how do you feel about
twins
?”

Lucas’s eyes went wide, he staggered slightly, then found his balance again, just by looking into Mike’s shining, laughter-filled eyes.

“Twins?” he managed to croak.

“Surprise!”

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