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“Are you proposing we wait until Ivy is eighteen and at college? I don’t think I can breathe another breath without knowing what it is to be inside you.” He joined her, and soon they were lost in each other’s embrace. Breathless, he pulled away from the kiss. “Am I rushing everything? I don’t want to ruin it.”
“The only way to ruin this is to stop.” She shimmied her body under his and gripped his hips. It had been a long time since she’d been intimate with anyone, but no one in her past had ever made her feel like there was a future. Bastien made her feel like hers was only possible with him.
“Make love to me,” she whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear, but he heard, and he kissed her hungrily, as if in response to her plea before slowly entering her.
Charlotte was overcome with emotion as Bastien moved inside of her. His gentle yet passionate lovemaking made her feel cherished and adored. As he rocked against her, he unlocked parts of her she’d hidden away for far too long.
When the intensity peaked, Bastien leaned in and whispered, “I love you, Charlotte.”
The sensation was overwhelming as they moved together in perfect harmony, each touch sparking something deep within their souls that bound them closer together. Every kiss and movement sent waves of pleasure washing over them like a gentle ocean tide until they reached the peak of bliss together before collapsing into each other’s arms, totally spent, yet completely content.
At that moment, Charlotte realized that this man had become the center of her world, and she would do anything for him. She had found the peace and contentment she’d been searching for all along. It was right here in his arms.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Bastien woke up with a smile on his face and Charlotte in his arms. After gently making love to her again, she dressed and left before Ivy woke.
As he readied Ivy’s oatmeal, he grinned. He was getting married, and this time it was for real. Charlotte said yes.
“Hey, little bug. Guess what?”
Ivy was at the table eating oatmeal with chocolate chips, of course. “You love Charlotte?”
She was far too observant and would keep him on his toes for the rest of his life. “I do, and we are going to get married. Charlotte and I would love it if you’d be our flower girl.”
“But I’m a ladybug.”
The one thing he’d learned quickly was it was useless to argue with a five-year-old. “Very true and lady bugs like flowers, so what we’re asking is if you’ll be part of the wedding?”
“Can I wear a red dress?”
He didn’t know what to say. Charlotte probably wouldn’t care, but he knew that would send his mother into an early grave. “Let’s talk to Charlotte about that later.” He pulled her pigtails. Now that he’d learned to braid, she didn’t want them anymore. “Time for school.”
Ivy finished her oatmeal, brushed her teeth, and met him by the door with her knapsack. His plan today was all about putting things in order. First, he needed to pay Tiffany.
As they walked to the car, Charlotte rushed out. “I can take her. I’ve been summoned into town, anyway. Word has gotten around that I’m marrying this hot investment banker, and I’m in for a long inquisition.” She turned to Ivy. “Honey, is it okay if I marry your uncle?”
“Will that make you my mommy?”
Bastien’s heart sank into his gut. He wasn’t sure how Ivy would feel about the marriage and hadn’t even asked her if it was okay. He’d just assumed. He stared at Charlotte, wondering how she’d answer.
“No, honey, your mommy will always be your mommy.I’m not trying to take her place. I’ll be Aunt Charlotte.”
Ivy nodded, but a look of concern crossed her face. “Mommy told me that another mommy would eventually come and replace her, and it was okay. I’d be okay if you were my other mommy.” She grabbed Bastien’s hand. “Uncle Bast gets to be the daddy and then we’re a family.”
“You’re right, we are a family.” He opened the door and helped Ivy into the back seat. “I’ll take her. I’ve got some stuff to get in order.”
Charlotte nodded. “I bet. You haven’t had time to process anything since Chloe’s death. You probably have lots of probate stuff to deal with, too.”
He hadn’t thought about all the legal stuff. Hewasjusttrying to take care of Ivy, but hefigured itwas time tocrackopen Chloe's will. “I also need to pay Tiffany and buy an engagement ring for my bride-to-be.”
She leaned in closer to him. “I don't need a ring. All I need is you.” She leaned back and frowned. “I'm so sorry about Tiffany. I messed up this whole thing. Guess I'll need to leave matchmaking off my resume.”
“I don't know. It worked out pretty well, I'd say.” He kissed her. “Go hang with your friends. I'll be here when you get back.” She turned to walk away, and he called out. “I love you.”
When she smiled, his entire being felt complete. He'd accomplished a lot in his life, but nothing felt as gratifying as knowing the woman in front of him loved him back.
He made his way to Ivy's school and then drove to Sweet on You. He entered the shop and looked around for Marcus before he made his way to the counter.
