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“I’ll talk with my father tomorrow about sorting your mother’s finances. I’ll also formally ask John for your hand. I want him to feel a part of this.”
“You’re a good man, Stephen.”
“I am learning to be such and will keep growing toward that for you—for us.” He smiled down into her face. “I do have a ring for you, but I didn’t bring it down with me tonight, for I hadn’t planned to declare myself until later in the house party.”
“That matters not. Tomorrow will be good enough, and you can show it to John. No doubt he’ll adore the inspection.”
“He will indeed.” Stephen kissed her again, teasing her with slow, gentle strokes until she planted a palm on his chest and halted his advances before they could grow more heated. “Whatever you want from this point forward, I’ll endeavor to bring to you.”
The smile she bestowed upon him started tiny fires in his blood. In the dim light, wicked promise gleamed in her eyes. “Give me a daughter.”
Heat went through Stephen’s body. “I look forward to trying.”
“As do I.” She again rested her cheek on his chest. “I’m so glad fate put us together. Christmastide is so much better when one is hopelessly and helplessly in love.”
Stephen didn’t answer. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and held her close, dropping the ball of mistletoe in the process. For the first time since he’d lost her ten years ago, he was content with his lot. And Griffin was right, damn his eyes. There was no place for bitterness or regret in a life that was so fleeting and precious. Now that love had returned to him, there was no room in his heart for those things either.
Three mistletoe kisses had won him back his love. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
