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Leah cupped his cheeks. “And someone to drink it with. Someone I love.” She pressed her lips to his and the kiss became heated in two seconds flat.
Krista and Noah hooted and cheered from their viewing area, and Leah giggled in Dakota’s arms, but she didn’t stop kissing. He hoped she never would.
When they had to come up for air, Leah said, “I was wrong, Dakota. Very, very wrong.” She took his uncasted hand in hers and held it up between their chests. “I do love you. So much. Too much.”
“No such thing as too much love, Leah. I love you too.” He pressed a light kiss to her lips. “I can’t believe you’re here.” A tiny piece of him still wondered if he were dreaming.
The more he looked at her though, the more he knew it wasn’t a dream. She was really standing there with him, looking sexy as hell in a little black dress he’d never seen her in before. A chunky necklace with what looked like amethyst stones adorned her neck with matching earrings and a bracelet. Her golden hair had been curled and fell softly about her face, a face he wanted to spend the rest of his life adoring.
And her shoes. Black heels with plump, purple grapes and green, leafy vines on them. Damn, those shoes turned him on.
“I can’t believe I’m here either,” she said, “but I can’t live without knowing this one kind heart beats for me.” She flattened her palm over his heart.
“It does.” He put his hand over hers on his chest. “I don’t think it can beat without you.”
“I’d better stick around then. You know, for Step Three.” She slid her hands up to clasp them at the back of his neck.
“Yes, for Step Three, which promises to be the best step yet.” Dakota looped his arms around her waist and held her there, right where she belonged.
Epilogue
December…
Winter in Maplehaven was as wonderful as summer and autumn. Of course, Leah had someone to keep her warm on those long, cold nights, and Dakota had proven to take the job very seriously. On many mornings, Leah almost couldn’t get out of bed because she didn’t want to leave the heat of his strong, sexy body. She spent most of her day thinking of getting back into that bed with him at night.
Carter had bought her cottage when she’d returned from New Zealand and she’d moved in to Dakota’s cabin. Dakota hadn’t asked her really. He’d just shown up in her driveway with boxes in his truck. She probably should have protested over his assumption, but she’d been delighted to move in with him. That meant more chances to kiss him, hold him, make love to him. No point in pretending she didn’t want that. It was what she wanted most.
In fact, being with Dakota had allowed her to take the engagement ring Chase had given her out of her purse and put it in a special box that had been her mother’s. A piece of her would always love Chase, and she’d carry the memories of him and her family with her always as she moved forward.
With Dakota.
They’d finished the New Zealand trip with several adventure activities and an amazing tour ofLord of the Ringsfilming locations. For geeks like her and Dakota—and Noah and Krista it turns out—that tour was one they’d never forget. Something about being kissed senseless in the Shire was so romantic.
Standing with Dakota now in the hallway of Maplehaven Elementary School, Leah couldn’t wait for him to see the mural the students and staff had finally finished. William and Chennie were there as well as Dena, Jacy, and Carter. Noah and other Brenton Sawmill employees were in attendance too along with parents and other community members.
Basically the entire town was either in that hallway or watching live footage in the auditorium.
“Still no hints?” Dakota whispered in her ear.
His breath coasted over her skin and she wanted everyone else to disappear. “Nope.”
“You are so mean, Miss Greenstead.” He squeezed her hand then brought it up to his lips to press a quick kiss to her knuckles.
“Shh…” She elbowed him. “You’re going to miss the big reveal.”
Dakota turned his attention back to Principal Myers who had one edge of the sheet covering the mural in her hand.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the students and staff of the new Maplehaven Elementary School wanted to do something special to commemorate the generosity of Brenton Sawmill in donating and constructing this fine building. Our learning this year has been so enhanced by what you’ve given us. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and has made a difference in the lives of our future leaders.”
She inched up the sheet and Leah chuckled when Dakota got on tiptoes to see better.
“What you are about to see was created by students and staff and will remain as a reminder that kind hearts make dreams come true.”
In one flick of her wrist, the entire sheet fell to the floor. Gasps,oohsandahhs,and cheering filled the hallway as viewers got to see the forest of trees painted on the wall before them. Each student and staff member had created their own tree and the biggest one in the front had a heart carved on its trunk. The wordsWe love Brenton Sawmillwere in the middle of the heart and the phraseKind Hearts Make Dreams Come Truewas painted up in the blue sky above the treetops.
“This is amazing,” Dakota said.
“Yeah. I didn’t think it would come out this fantastic when I drew out the idea.”
