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Noelle Breaux was in love with the most handsome, courageous, and sexiest man in town. That he wanted her, even more, astonished her every day. Brandon’s protective side was still on high alert where she was concerned. When they were close, his blue eyes were always on her, concerned, worried, proud, wanting.
The more she got to know him, the more she appreciated the man, both his flaws and good qualities, the same way he acknowledged hers. Over time, edges softened, and love deepened, and Noelle wanted more. More of him, of his laughter, of his body, and the relationship they were building together.
Even her job took a turn for the better. After what had happened with Erin, which also brought into the light all the faults within the department, Commander Beckner cleaned house. Reinhard Reeker and his merry band of idiots were transferred to different states, with stains on their records and the requirement of improving through training and classes. Noelle didn’t wish them harm, only that they’d opened their eyes and accepted that they weren’t working in the dark ages.
Reeker had been the one most impacted by the whole ordeal. If possible, he looked even thinner and older than before. She had nothing to say to him, but Brandon had a long talk with his late friend’s father, clearing the air and reconciling some.A discussion couldn’t repair everything, but it brought Brandon much-needed peace and closure.
As time passed at a leisurely pace, typical of this beautiful city, life returned to normal. Not the past normal, but enhanced with the work she loved, the laughter of her friends, and a man she couldn’t stop kissing.
As for Dominique, her dear friend hadn’t said a word, only smiled knowingly, as if everything had happened according to her plan, and that Noelle even had a few more surprises coming.
As she rounded the corner toward the meeting point, Noelle took a deep breath, putting her mind back on the task at hand, but as she arrived, only one person was waiting for her. Brandon.
Hands behind his back, he was dressed like that fateful night they’d first spent time together, with his blue Henley and dark jeans. His blond hair in his usual man bun, his beard split into a bright grin.
“Well, well… Did you want to talk to me before my tour group arrives?”
Looking around, she saw the area was deserted, with no group walking nearby.
“I might be the only one you’re waiting for.” And from behind his back, he produced a bunch of delicate white flowers in his hand, similar to the ones she’d found and threaded through her hair back then. When she reached for the blooms, he evaded her grip and instead tucked the flowers behind her ear.
“I remember so well when I turned and saw you were there for the tour. That green dress, and those wildflowers in your hair. How much I wanted to bury my nose into your hair and fill it with your scent. I wondered how your skin tasted, how you would feel if I kissed you.”
It amazed her how he could arouse her so fast with only his words, turning her into a flame wanting to be consumed. “Youhave to stop. I can’t be hot and bothered when I’m expecting a group for a tour.”
Brandon kissed her hand before hooking it around his arm. “As I’m your only guest tonight, I don’t mind you like that at all.”
As he steered her by his side into a stroll down the street, Noelle wasn’t sure she understood.
“We’ve been so busy over the last few months. I wanted to have a calm evening with you and enjoy your company. Maybe revisit the place where it all began.”
Touched by his romantic gesture, Noelle giggled. “If that was your intention, you should’ve invited me to that bar where you first appeared with the commander.”
Brandon didn’t seem inclined to agree. “No, the real moment where it began isn’t far from here, at Bouchette House.”
As he spoke, Noelle saw the wrought-iron gate and fished in her pocket for the key.
The grounds were the same as before, full of wildflowers, unkept bushes and thorny vines. The vegetation blocked most of the city noise, making the yard a small oasis of peace and quiet. She thought he’d guide her inside the house; instead, he headed for the corner of the backyard when they’d talked while Leanna, Ryland, Jordyn, and Nico explored the house in search of ghosts.
“It was right here, that very night, that we talked for the first time, and you listened to me. I think it was that moment that led to us being together, now.”
Noelle wasn’t sure he was right, and it wasn’t necessary, as whatever the path they took, the outcome was the only thing that mattered to her. Under the moonlight, it was impossible not to lift onto her toes and kiss him. Brandon indulged her, but only for a moment.
“You weren’t supposed to kiss me now.”
Noelle blinked, completely lost. “When was I supposed to kiss you?”
Her teasing vaporized when Brandon knelt before her, his expression serious, his eyes shimmering with hope. “I expected a kiss after I asked you to marry me, Noelle Breaux. I know everything has moved so fast between us, but I think that our love is the result of fate with a dash of magic. I don’t want to wait for us to be sure. I don’t want to risk missing a single second of my life without you. In this crazy world, you’re my only certainty, Noelle, and my only love.”
Noelle was filled with so much love, it made it impossible to speak, so instead of making the man she adored wait, she fell to her knees and gave him a searing kiss. Brandon responded, his arms around her, and only when her head spun, did he let her draw a breath.
“Again, my sweet Noelle, I expected an answer before you gave me that kiss. I suspect the answer after that, but the words would be nice to hear. Just in case.”
Eyes filling with tears, the biggest smile on her face, she nodded. “Oui. Yes. A million times yes, Brandon Turner.”
Just as she said the words, Brandon finally kissed her with all the love and adoration he had for her. Perfection didn’t exist, but Noelle was convinced they were perfect for each other, as with respect, understanding, love, and a pinch of magic, anything was possible.
THE END
