“And now?” Michael asked.

“Ask me,” she whispered. “Ask me again.”

Seth took her hand and dug into his pocket. Dillon cupped the side of her cheek then looked over at Michael and then Seth.

“Marry us, Lily,” Dillon asked in a husky voice.

Seth gently slid the ring over her finger, over her knuckle until it sparkled on her hand. She glanced down and then curled her fingers into a fist, sealing her hand closed.

“Yes.”

Michael shoved by Dillon and scooped Lily into his arms. He gave a whoop and twirled round and round the living room until Lily threw back her head, her delighted laughter echoing through the room.

He kissed her, long and lingering and then lowered his hand to caress her jean-clad hip where the tattoo rested.

“That tattoo says it all, Lily. Us around you. You at the center. First. Always.” She smiled and kissed him again. “I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Lily turned and flung herself at Dillon, nearly toppling him as he caught her against his chest. She kissed him exuberantly, his mouth, his jaw, back to his mouth. He finally laughed and cried uncle.

“Have mercy,” he begged.

“Not going to happen,” she purred. “You’re mine.”

“Damn straight I am,” Dillon agreed. “Completely and wholly yours. You can have me any time you want. All you have to do is crook that little finger that you have me wrapped around in my direction and I’m all over it.”

Lily sighed and burrowed into Dillon’s neck, nuzzling and making those sweet little sounds of contentment that made Seth crazy.

And then she pulled away and turned her gaze on Seth. Seth’s heart turned over as she came to him, her eyes warm and full of acceptance. He was taken back to the first day he met her, when he looked up and was staggered by the most intense blue eyes he’d ever seen.

Thank God he’d acted on the overwhelming reaction she’d elicited. Thank God he’d gone after her.

He couldn’t imagine his life without her now.

“You amaze me,” he said sincerely. “Your strength astounds me. I love you, Lily.” She launched herself at him, and he caught her as he staggered back, her wrapped around him. She curled both arms around his neck and held on until all he could smell or process was her.

“I love you too, Seth. You’re my personal angel. God sent you to me or me to you. Either way, I’ll never believe that it was just a chance meeting in a soup kitchen.” His heart twisted and he squeezed her a little harder. “No, Lily. You’re our angel. Always. Our gift.” She brushed her lips over his neck and trembled gently against him.

“I stopped believing in miracles and second chances. Until I met you guys,” she said in a voice that throbbed with emotion. “You all are my miracle and second chance all rolled into one. I love you. I’m so grateful for you.”

Seth eased her down until her feet hit the floor and then she turned and extended her hands to Dillon and Michael. “Did anyone cook yet? I’m starving.”

The men chuckled and then Dillon drew her in close again. “Tell you what. You come keep me company in the kitchen and I’ll whip up something yummy.” Seth watched as Dillon pulled Lily into the kitchen followed by Michael. He hung back, content to watch for just a moment and savor the rightness of it all.

Never in a million years would he have predicted this, but then a few weeks ago, his life had been in Denver. His job. Now his life was Lily and the town of Clyde. He was back in the fold of his family.

Stronger and closer than ever.

No, like Lily, he didn’t believe for a moment that their meeting had been chance. And he’d give thanks every day for the rest of his life that he didn’t let her walk out of that soup kitchen and out of his life.

About the Author

To learn more about Maya Banks please visit www.mayabanks.com. Send an email to Maya at

maya@mayabanks.com.