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Unable to resist any longer, I capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring every ounce of my longing into it. She’s back, she’s home. And I’m never letting her go again.
Epilogue
December,one year later . . .
The bakery kitchen is filled with the scents of sugar, cinnamon, and fresh bread as everyone works on orders for the holiday rush. Christmas is just two weeks away, our busiest time of year.
“Did you hear? I make better croissants than you,” Paul says with a smug grin, setting down a tray fresh from the oven.
“It’s not a competition,”I reply defensively, kneading dough for gingerbread men before I head out.
“Sure, sure. But I’m better at it,” he teases.
I remove my flour-dusted apron with a sigh, the bakery heat becoming stifling. “You’re annoying. The dough is ready for you. I have to get to the office.”
As I head to the back door, I add over my shoulder, “If someone wants a cake for the holidays, remember you have to say no. You’re still learning to decorate cakes and André doesn’t have time to do it. He’s swamped preparing for Christmas and the end of the year celebrations at the ski resort.”
Paul’s grin widens. “But that’ll annoy the fuck out of Damian.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help smiling. In the past year, Paul has changed a lot. Not only did he move here with me, but he’s becoming part of Kentbury too. Bishop and most of his family like him, but for some reason, my brother and Damian can’t get along.
Overall, I’m glad that Paul is finding his place. He’s even friends with Landon and Holden Miller. We keep hoping the rest of our family will visit and fall for this place like we did. Grandma’s happy we’re staying close.
When I arrive at the orchard with coffees in hand, Bishop is setting up the Christmas tree I bought last week to decorate it. I don’t have anything against natural pines, but I want the one in my office to be pink. That way, the house tree can be however he wants—our relationship is still growing, but we keep compromising.
“Hey, Hops,” I greet him.
As he turns around, a glint catches my eye—a small red box nestled under the tree.
“Ooh, we already have presents and haven’t decorated it yet,” I say, clapping enthusiastically.
Before I can react, Bishop picks it up, then drops to one knee.
My breath catches as he opens the ring box, the diamond sparkling.
“McKay,” he begins, voice husky with emotion, “this past year with you has been the best of my life. You’ve become my best friend, my confidant, and my partner. I can’t imagine life without you.”
He takes my hand, his brown eyes brimming with love. “I love everything about you. Your laugh, your voice, and the way you make the ordinary feel extraordinary. I don’t want to waste another minute without making you mine forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
A flood of emotions overwhelms me, making my vision blur with tears. Breathing deeply, I manage to whisper through the lump in my throat, “Yes. Of course I’ll marry you.”
In one swift motion, he wraps his arms around me, lifting me off the ground. As the world whirls, he stops only to claim my lips with a kiss, deep and filled with promises. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but after meeting this man, I wanted to become better, to find happiness. I found myself and along with that, I learned how to love.
And I’m so happy I fell in love with him, and that every day I fall more and more.
Dear Reader
Dear Reader,
Happy Holidays!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to read Christmas in Kentbury. I had lots of fun asking my reading group what they’d like to see in a holiday book. They chose a single dad, friends-to-lovers romance. I hope you fall in love with Lance and all the characters as much as I did.
Are we going to revisit Kentbury? I hope so. I fell in love with the town, the Harrises and also the Millers. Mrs. Bowman knows so much about the town. I’m not sure when this will happen but maybe early next fall you might be able to visit them again.
After you’re done reading, I’d appreciate if you leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, or Bookbub. And if possible, spread the love around by sharing.
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