“I want you,” she said, her head turning as she tried to push up closer, to have more of him — all of him — inside her.
“Forever,” he demanded, driving in another inch, the torture nearly undoing him.
“Forever,” she conceded.
With that one word, he thrust deeply inside of her, and their cries mingled together as they became one. There was no more talking now. He lifted them both higher and higher, built their pleasure and then spilled his seed within her.
By the time their passion was spent and he was holding her in his arms, caressing her skin and thanking heaven that he’d seen the light, Tanner could barely hold his eyes open. But he did have one final thought.
If he ever ran into Judge Kragle again, he’d probably have to tell him that he was a pretty good guy. The man had altered Tanner’s life for the better.
On second thought, why encourage such a meddling old guy? Tanner decided that he probably wouldn’t admit a thing.
He’d just think it when he finally came up for air.
Epilogue
We just haven’t had a miss yet, have we, brother?”
Joseph looked at his brother George with a smile. “Of course we haven’t. We are Andersons after all,” he said with a boisterous laugh.
“I sure missed out growing up with the two of you, but I think I’m learning quite well on my own,” Richard said as he sat back with a big grin.
“Oh yes, brother. You may be named Storm, but the Anderson blood runs through your veins hot and fast,” Joseph told him proudly.
“I knew the minute I met Kyla in that old building that she was perfect for one of my boys,” Richard said. “To tell you the truth, I thought she’d be well suited for Lance, but she and Tanner are a perfect match.”
“Yes, they are, and now that they have adopted Billy, they’ve already begun their family,” George said.
“I should get some credit here,” Judge Kragle said with a hearty laugh of his own.
“Sentencing him to community service and to stay in his building was pure genius. You get ninety percent of the credit,” Richard told him.
“And don’t forget what my granddaughter did to push Tanner in the right direction,” the judge added. “Merinda’s acting classes really paid off. Do you think your boy will ever figure it all out?”
“Hopefully not. If he does, I think we’re all in for it,” George said, pretending to wipe sweat from his brow.
“I’m not too worried. Plus, Merinda said she busted up laughing when that jewelry box arrived with the plastic necklace and his note in it. She said it was the best gift she’s ever received, knowing that so many more people would have warm meals because of her acting skills.”
“Ah, how could he be upset even if he knew? Love blossomed for that boy, and he’s happier than he’s ever been,” Richard told them confidently.
“That’s true. Those children of ours just don’t appreciate how much effort and energy we put into their happiness,” Joseph groused. “We never get thank-yous or gratitude of any kind. And just look at all the beautiful children they’ve produced so far.”
“They just think we’re meddling old men,” George said. “Someday, when their own children are all grown, they’ll come to appreciate us more.”
“I wouldn’t go quite that far — these youngsters can be mighty ornery — but you don’t need thanks from them,” Kragle replied. “Having all of those grandchildren is thanks enough.”
“I still wouldn’t mind a thank-you,” Joseph growled. This had been something he’d been saying for years, but though he could bark with the best of him, he wasn’t the type to bite.
“So who’s next?” Kragle asked, eagerly joining the three brothers in their matchmaking schemes.
“I’ve been seeing some big changes in Ashton of late. I think it’s time to focus our attention on him now,” Richard said, accepting another glass of scotch.
“Well, then, Ashton it is,” George said, clinking glasses with his brother.
“And I want in,” Kragle said with a chuckle.
“We won’t turn you down,” Joseph said.
The four men bent their heads together and the scheming continued…