Page 77 of Always My Love

Nick leaned back, his eyes running over hers. She could see the excitement and happiness in his eyes.

“I’ll take it. You’re staying put though, here with us, until then?”

She shrugged. “If Hailey wants to return home, I’ll go with her until he’s caught.” Nick opened his mouth to argue, but she added, “You don’t get a say in that.”

He took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine.”

“There’s one more thing,” She turned fully towards him. “I love you. I’ve never said that to anyone.”

“I love you too,” he burst out, and then kissed her. “God, I was going to tell you on Valentine’s Day. I had this whole thing planned.” He sighed.

She chuckled. “I’m sorry if I ruined it.”

He shook his head. “No, you didn’t.” He leaned back again. “I love you. I can say it as many times as I want.”

She smiled. “I love you.”

They laughed and hugged again just as the wet dogs attacked them and tried to join in the fun.

Epilogue

Harper tugged on the short skirt of the pretty dress as she looked at herself in the mirror one last time. It had taken most of her makeup to hide all the cuts and bruises on her legs but it was worth it.

Hailey had helped her curl her hair earlier that day and, thankfully, some of the curls had stayed.

Since it was a gray day outside, she pulled the cream-colored sweater over the dress before heading down the stairs.

Nick stood at the bottom of the steps in khakis and a dress shirt. He looked so handsome. Both of the dogs were sitting at his feet as the trio watched her.

“Wow,” Nick said under his breath. “You look so amazing,” he said when she stopped on the last step. He walked over and brushed his lips across hers.

Then he held up a small box. “I figured I’d get your first gift out of the way since you already gave me mine.” He motioned to the photo of the buck hanging over the fireplace that she’d given him earlier that morning. She’d replaced the old photo with this one when he’d been in the shower.

She smiled and took the box from him.

“Open it,” he suggested.

She did and smiled. Inside was a set of keys to the house and two dog tags. The dog tags had their names along with the address on them. Nick’s address. Their address.

“The keys to my heart and my home,” Nick said with a smile.

She hugged him.

“Ready?” he asked after they took the time to put the new dog tags on both the dogs’ collars.

“Ready.” She stepped out with him.

They rode in the Jeep to the Golden Oar, but instead of heading into the restaurant, they walked down to the small dock near it instead.

There, at the base of the dock, a candlelight dinner was set up for them.

“Wow,” she gasped when she saw the romantic scene. “I didn’t know the restaurant offered this.” She laughed as he held out a chair for her.

“They don’t normally, but for you they made an exception.” He winked as he sat down next to her.

Jordan, one of the waitstaff, appeared with a tray of food while Nick opened the bottle of champagne and poured them each a glass.

While they ate, they talked about her move into his place. About the dogs. About the view.