Tempting Mr. Wrong (Wrong Man) (16 page)

“Why weren’t you having a good time?” she asked.

“It’s hard to have fun when you aren’t with the person you love.”

She blinked.

A small smile crept onto his face. He seemed nervous. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down. Finally, he grabbed her hands. “I’m in love with you, Carly.”

If he hadn’t been holding her hands, she probably would have fallen backward.

“I don’t know when it happened. Hell, maybe that first moment I saw you splashing around in the fountain. I don’t know. But I’m sure that I’m in love with you. I’m so sorry I left.”

Hope bubbled up in her chest even as a single tear trickled down her face. Lance reached out and wiped it away.

She nodded at the suitcase. “What is that?”

A grin broke out over his face. He dropped her hands and picked up the suitcase. “This is a present for you.”

“Wow. Luggage. What every girl wants right after being told I love you.”

He chuckled. “Someone reminded me recently that life is not black and white. There’s lots of gray area.”

“Personally, I like to think there’s also red, pink, purple, and blue areas, too, but please go on.”

“I want to be with you, if you’ll have me. But I also want to see all the places I haven’t been to before. I want to complete my bucket list…with you.”

“Together,” she said, overwhelmed by pure happiness.

“As a family.”

With that, she launched herself at him, knocking the suitcase away and wrapping her arms around his neck. “I love you, too, Lance. So much.”

Their lips came together and the kiss wiped away all of the longing of the last week.

When Lance lifted his head, his nose twitched. “What’s that smell?”

Clapping her hands together, she laughed and yanked him into the house. “Come with me. I have to show you something.”

He followed her back to the kitchen and she pointed at the stove. “Ta-da.”

His eyes narrowed as he took in the cookbook and recipes scattered on the counter, then the ingredients strewn around the stove. “Is that…”

“Kimchi,” she said and threw her hands into the air. “Surprise.”

“Holy shit, Carly. Are you serious? You’re making my mom’s signature dish?”

“I’m making your favorite food. Well, trying to.” She grabbed a fork and loaded it with her efforts. “Here you go.”

Lance tasted the food and bobbed his head up and down. “Not bad, actually. What a surprise.” He reached out for her but she pushed him back.

“Wait, speaking of surprises. I have another.” She grabbed the end of Chris’s letter and held it up.

Confusion crossed Lance’s face at first, followed by understanding. “You’re freaking kidding me?”

She shook her head and handed over the letter.

Oh yeah, one more thing. I saw the way you were looking at my sister at my wedding. At first, I almost kicked your ass. But then Gretchen reminded me how much I like your sorry ass. Not that I want to see my sister with someone in that way, but if I must, she couldn’t do better than you.

Peace out from the grave,

Chris

Lance looked up at her, amusement dancing in his eyes. “He was going to kick my ass.”

“Apparently he saw reason in the end. Chris said I can’t do better than you,” Carly said with a wink.

“You don’t think…”

Carly shrugged. Matchmaking from the grave? She wouldn’t put it past her brother.

In the end, it didn’t really matter what a letter said. The only words she wanted to hear were Lance saying
I love you
for the rest of their lives.

Epilogue

The amount of time Lance had spent at this playground in the last six months was getting dangerously close to the amount of time he’d spent in the military. But instead of loud, sweaty men surrounded by the sounds of discharging weapons, he was getting used to being in the middle of loud, sweaty kids surrounded by the sounds of Disney soundtracks.

“Uncle Lance, watch me, watch me.”

With a smile on his face, he turned just in time to see Mya wind down the twisty slide, pop up, and throw her arms up into the air. “Ta-da,” she called out as she posed with one hip jutted out to the side. Then she burst into a fit of giggles.

Mya was wearing her favorite glittery
Frozen
T-shirt and had a bright pink bow the size of an armored tank tied into her red curls. It was safe to say that he’d fallen insanely in love with this amazing little girl.

She ran over to his open arms and gave him a hug. He took a moment to inhale the sweet strawberry scent he’d come to identify as purely Mya.

“Remember the playground at the hotel?” she asked. “It was so much fun.”

They’d returned from Disney World three weeks ago, and the kid was still talking about it constantly. Her T-shirt was one of the many souvenirs he’d spoiled her with, and it seemed like she’d worn nothing else since they’d gotten back.

“Didn’t you love Disney World?” Mya asked with a big, lopsided grin.

Lance held back a chuckle. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM may not have been on his original bucket list, but he had to admit that seeing Mya’s excitement and wonder as they darted around the parks had been better than all of the casinos in Vegas combined.

“It was the best,” he told her.

Mya leaned close and whispered, “Maybe we should go back again soon.”

This time, he did laugh out loud. “Nice try, but we have that trip planned for the Grand Canyon this summer. I think you’re really going to love it.”

“Yay!”

With that, Mya was off and running toward her friend Justin. Lance shook his head as he watched her laugh and play, obviously happy. The funny thing was, Mya wasn’t the only happy person. Lance couldn’t remember a time in his life when he felt more content.

“Hey, Lance.”

He turned to see Jarret Paige strolling toward him, his arm outstretched. Lance shook the offered hand. “Hi, Jarret, how’s it going?”

“Not bad. Thought I’d get the kids out for the afternoon.” He pointed toward his twins, who were playing on the swings. “Lots of pent-up energy to burn off.”

“I know all about that.”

“I wanted to tell you that the renovations are looking really great. And I really appreciate the new security lights.”

Lance felt nothing short of pride at the man’s words. Once he’d decided to stay with Carly and Mya in Pine Springs, he’d taken a few odd jobs here and there helping with construction and home renovation projects. But he soon came to realize that he spent more time concentrating on the safety and security of the homes. His military background coupled with his interest in home security made him the perfect security consultant. Because Pine Springs was a small town, word had traveled quickly about his work. Now he was getting so many referrals and offers that he was starting his own company.

“Good to hear.”

“With all the travel I do, I know I feel better with my wife and kids at home. In fact, I’m going to pass your card to my boss. He’s looking to update his alarm system.”

“Awesome. I appreciate the business. And my schedule’s pretty flexible for the next couple months.”

“No more trips to Disney?” Jarret asked with a grin.

Lance leaned back on his heels. “Much to Mya’s dismay, no. We’re doing a big road trip this summer to take Mya out West, and Carly and I have an adults-only weekend planned for next month in New Orleans.”

“Nice. Uh-oh…”

Lance looked up as Jarret trailed off. He shifted to see what had caught the other man’s eye.

“Looks like Mya’s friend Justin is up to his old tricks,” Jarret said with a nod toward the fountain in the middle of the park, the same fountain that had served as his introduction to Carly all those months ago.

“Shit.”

Lance could hear Jarret laughing as he ran toward the fountain where Justin was splashing around and taunting Mya. It was clear what his next move would be. He reached for his bucket, filled it up, and aimed it toward Mya.

“You dumb boy,” Mya was shouting.

“You’re the dumb one,” Justin fired back. “’Cause you’re a girl, and girls have cooties. So watch this.”

Lance reached her just as Justin attempted to throw the water. Before the kid could douse Mya, Lance snatched her up and moved them both out of the way.

“Uncle Lance, Justin tried to get me wet and I’m wearing my favorite T-shirt,” Mya said, her bow flopping as she moved her head in indignation. “Aunt Carly would jump in the fountain and start a big water fight.”

He stifled a groan. “Yes, Aunt Carly probably would do that. But you know what? Justin’s all wet and you’re still dry. I think we won this round.” Lance gestured toward Justin. “Plus, you’re not getting in trouble like your friend over there.” Sure enough, Justin’s mom had entered the picture and was pulling her wet son out of the fountain.

“So we won this round,” Mya said, triumph in her eyes.

“We sure did,” Lance said. “When the weather gets warmer, I’m going to show you some really good battle tactics. Justin won’t know what hit him. But right now, I’m so proud of you, soldier.”

“I’m proud of you, too.” Carly had snuck up on him and whispered in his ear as her arms snaked around his waist from behind. Mya was already running off to the next adventure.

“What are you proud of exactly?” he said, turning so he could give her a proper kiss.

“That you are able to show much more restraint than me.”

“Oh, there are moments when I love your lack of self-control.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

She laughed and the sound warmed him up. “I bet. You seemed pretty taken last night. Let’s just say that you are a much more adaptable man than that uppity, rigid soldier I met back in September.” She kissed him again. “But I’m even more proud of how you are with Mya.”

A huge feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment swept over him. Hearing praise from this miraculous, beautiful, intelligent woman was amazing. Overcome with emotions, the only thing he could think to do was lay another kiss on the woman he loved.

“Hey, get a room.”

He reluctantly looked up from Carly’s tempting lips. “Oh good, Adam’s here.”

“Be nice,” Carly said and swatted at his chest.

“Come on, people. I know you guys are all in love and stuff, but this is a playground. Innocent, impressionable children everywhere.” He swept his hand around as proof.

Lance returned his attention to the guy he now counted as one of his closest friends. “Glad you’re here now, buddy. That means we get to leave.” He winked for emphasis.

Carly turned her attention to Adam. “Thanks again for babysitting tonight. I’m really excited for this concert.”

“No problem. You know I love spending time with her.”

“I’ll go tell her we’re leaving. Plenty of snacks at home and I made up some patties for burgers tonight. You know where everything is.”

With that, they watched Carly’s retreating back.

“Thanks again for watching Mya,” Lance said.

“Seriously, my pleasure. If everything works out with your friend John in Crescent Falls, my time with her is limited.”

Lance saw the pained expression at that sentiment. He understood. How a spritely little four—excuse him, almost five, as Mya pointed out this morning—year-old could have such a huge effect on a grown man was still a massive mystery. But no doubt about it, Mya had them all wrapped around her little finger.

“Crescent Falls isn’t that far from here. Only a couple hours’ drive. You’ll still see Mya plenty. Trust me.”

“What’s it like up there?” Adam asked.

“It’s nice. Small.” When John mentioned the town was looking for a chief of police, Lance had suggested Adam for the job. Should be perfect for helping Adam get back on his feet. Even though he’d started coming out of his shell over the last couple months, Lance knew he still had a way to go.

“You ready, man?” Adam asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Lance blew out a long breath. “Mostly.”

“Nervous?”

“Definitely,” he said.

Adam let out a chuckle at that. “No worries. You got this.” With a quick glance in Carly’s direction, Adam turned his body and handed over the small velvet box.

“Thanks for holding onto this,” Lance said.

“You remembered the flowers, right?” Adam asked.

Lance nodded. “I’ve got the flowers, blanket, wine, snacks, including her favorite dark chocolate Raisinets.” He ran a hand over his face. “You sure this is the best time to ask?”

“You kidding? This is the first outdoor concert of the spring season. Carly has been talking about it for months. She loves the band. You have lawn tickets. You’ll be under the stars. What more can you ask for?”

Her. Forever.

“But you don’t think it’s too much?”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard that women really hate all that romantic crap.”

“Shut up.” He shuffled his feet. “I just want everything to go perfectly.”

“It will.” Adam punched Lance in the arm. Hard. “Now stop being a wuss and go propose to your woman.”

Lance couldn’t help it. He threw his head back and laughed. “Thanks, you dick.” Lance stuck out his hand. “You’re going to make a really great father someday.”

Adam beamed as he shook hands. “You already do.” He nodded toward Carly and Mya. “Let me go collect that adorable
Frozen
princess.”

With a slap on the back, Lance left Adam and crossed the playground. He offered a wave good-bye to Mya. Then he took Carly’s hand in his. As they walked toward his car, his heart felt completely full.

He may have altered his original bucket list, but this new direction his life had taken was more fun than anything he’d planned. Seeing the world with the woman he loved, and the little girl who’d stolen his heart, was more rewarding than all of the military operations he’d completed as a soldier. The idea that he almost did this on his own was crazy.

Now, he had a family, a home. Tempted to be the wrong man no more, all he wanted now was to be the right man—for Mya, for Carly, and for himself.

Don’t miss more books from
Kerri Carpenter
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Acknowledgments

I have to offer the biggest and most sparkly thank you to my editor–Alethea Spiridon. Alethea, I love, love, love working with you! Somehow, miraculously, you managed to make me laugh during a very large revision. Also, thank you to the entire Entangled family, especially Heather Howland who planted the seed for this story.

A huge thank you to my wonderful agent, Nicole Resciniti. I’m so happy we work together. I’m even happier that I can bribe you with adorable pictures of my dog! Smoochies.

Thank you to Aimee Freeman and Kate McIlvaine for the advice on the likes and dislikes of four year old girls, and thank you to Adrian Flores for the Army knowledge. Any errors are all me! Lynne Silver and Carlene Love Flores are the most awesomesauce critique partners.

Of course, a huge thank you and glittery hugs to all of my family and friends, most especially my biggest cheerleader, Harry.