He was totally stunned.
She kept going, her voice soft but so, so sure. "If... if one day I really do get pregnant, and the Stevens family is still unstable, then we don't have to get married. You don't have to make some grand show of bringing me into your life right then. I can have the baby on my own. I will protect our child. When the time is right and you feel safe, then you can give me that epic entrance I deserve!"
Kieran was completely speechless. "You—"
"I'm not scared of any rumors!" she declared, her eyes blazing. "Those stupid whispers can't hurt me! What I want is your whole life, Kieran. The good and the bad, I want it all."
Her voice was crystal clear, and her gaze was unshakable.
In that moment, Kieran suddenly pulled Josephine tightly into his arms, holding her so close she could feel his heartbeat.
His Josephine was even stronger and braver than he had ever dreamed.
