He feigned studying her. Then he leaned in. “You’re ready to consummate this marriage.”
“You’re amazing.”
He glanced around. “Do you think anyone will notice if we slip away?”
“Who cares if they do.” She took his hand to lead him out front to their car.
He stopped her. “Come with me.” He tugged down the path toward the edge of the property.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” God, he hoped she liked it.
They continued on. “Is this path new?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“You know I think we’ve left our property.”
“No, we haven’t.” Finally, he reached the opening in the wood. “Here we are.”
She looked up at the new home sitting in the lovely, wooded setting. “What’s this?”
“This is our house…if you like it. If not, we’ll rent it to?—”
“Wait.” She turned to him, pressing her hand over his chest. “You bought this land? Built this house?”
“Yes. A place for us…and our family.” His breath held as he waited for her response. It was entirely possible she’d want to remain at the main lodge.
She laughed. “Dr. Patrick Andres, you’re?—”
“That’s Husband Andres-Kincaid to you.” He swept her up and carried her over the threshold. The home wasn’t overly large. It wasn’t ornate. It was a lovely little cottage perfect for his beautiful wife and children they would have someday.
The home was filled with natural light but that wasn’t the best part.
He continued to carry her. “Let me show you the bedroom.”
“Did you decorate too?” Her eyes darted everywhere taking in the furniture and décor.
“Your mom helped. But we can change anything you want. Here.” He brought her into the bedroom and lay her on the bed. He then lay beside her.
“I think this works better if one of us is on top.”
God how he loved her banter. “We’ll get to that.” He pointed up. “Look.”
Michaela followed his hand. “Is that a skylight?” She stood on the bed to get a closer look.
“Yes.” He tugged her back down. “We’ll sleep under the stars every night.”
She looked at him with the reverence and awe that always made his heart well with love and gratitude. Like he was her world. Her north star.
Her hand pressed against his cheek. “I’m not sure what I did to deserve you?—”
“You saved me. So many times, you came to me, helped me see straight. See what’s important. And now you’ve come to me as my wife. Someday the mother of our children. Don’t you see? You’ve given me life.”
“You know what this means, right?” She lay over him, her body wiggling and making his brain short circuit.
“What?”
“We’re going to live happily ever after.”
He looked into her blue eyes seeing his future and knowing she was right. He lifted his head, prepared to kiss her. “Let’s start now.”
The End
