Ryan’s eyes locked with his as they came together, their cries mingling with the sound of the water.
Seth gently lowered her to her feet.
“I love you,” he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
“I love you too,” Ryan whispered back, her hands cupping his face.
They stayed in the shower for a while longer, letting the water wash away the remnants of their passion.
Seth knew, without a doubt, that they’d make up for lost time. Again, and again, and again. He knew they’d clash. It’s what they did, but they knew how to make up, so he didn’t mind arguing with her in the least, he thought with a grin.
He kissed her lips. “We’ll go wherever you want.”
“We’re already there.” She frowned. “I would like for you to meet my parents though.”
“I can do that. Same with you meeting mine.”
She grinned. “I’m looking forward to it.”
After stepping from the shower, they dried off, and Seth gave her a pair of his sweatpants and a T-shirt to wear. Both were too big for her, but they didn’t care. He pulled on a white T-shirt and black sweatpants, then a pair of socks.
“Where is your luggage?”
“In the back of the SUV.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back. You’ll be able to change into something that fits you better.”
“I happen to like wearing these. They smell like you.”
Seth grinned, kissed her lips, and strode from the room. When he walked outside, he glanced toward the barn to see Cull standing there with a smirk on his face.
“What?” Seth asked with a grin.
“It’s about fucking time,” Cull said, then turned and entered the barn.
Seth chuckled. Yeah, he was right. It was about fucking time. Pulling the luggage out from the back, he carried them inside and straight to the bedroom, then walked back to the living room and sat on the sofa next to Ryan.
He pulled her into his arms, knowing that’s where she belonged. They were both where they belonged.
Epilogue
Christmas morning, Ryan stood beside the hearth, the crackling fire’s warm glow chasing away the dawn’s pale light. Through the frost-flecked window she watched great white flakes drift down in slow spirals. From the corner of her eye, the Christmas tree’s lights blinked like distant lanterns in a snowy wood. She shivered, partly from excitement, partly from the chill in the air, when Seth’s arm slid around her waist and his chin found her shoulder.
“It’s breathtaking,” she whispered, leaning back against him.
“It’s a pain in the ass,” he grumbled, though the twist of his lips was more of amusement than annoyance.
Ryan laughed softly. “I want to build a snowman.”
“Go right ahead.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “You’re not coming with me?”
“Baby, do you know how cold it is out there? With the wind chill, it’s eighteen below. That’s enough to freeze a man’s balls off.” He grinned and she giggled.
“You need little ‘ball’ caps. You know, like mini beanies.”
Seth snorted. “Yeah, that ain’t happenin’. Unless you put them on for me, and they wouldn’t be… mini.” He winced playfully when she elbowed him.
