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"That I love you? I do. I want to stay here in Whisper Lake with you and Leo."
His words shocked her. "But your life—your jobs—are in LA and other places near there."
"I found someone to take over the next job. He met with the owner yesterday, and they're happy to move on without me."
"You did that yesterday? You thought about this before now?" she asked in surprise.
"I haven't been able to think about anything else. I've been moving around my entire life, always looking for what's next, never looking back, my gaze fixed on the horizon. I've seen a lot. I've lived in many places. What I want now is to be with you, to build a life with you and with Leo. Whisper Lake feels like the perfect place for that to happen."
"What about your business?"
"There are plenty of people looking for contractors around here, including Joel's company. Zach also mentioned that if I wanted to make a move here, he could use me. I can build anywhere. And while it means a lot to me that you would move your life to LA, Chloe, I'd rather we both stay here."
"I can't imagine anything better. But I meant what I said about being able to go somewhere else. I've been here most of my life. I want to see more of the world, and I want Leo to see it, too. I don't want you to feel stuck, and I don't want to feel that way, either."
"Then we'll take some amazing vacations. It's going to be good, Chloe," he said, gazing into her eyes. "I hope you can believe that. I hope you can trust me. I know that might take some time."
"I trust you already. I know who you are, Decker. You're the man who stayed with me all night in the hospital. You're the man who sets my blood racing, who makes me laugh, who makes me want to see the world. I'd like our roots to be here. But your dad showed you the world, and one day you can show it to me and Leo."
"My father would have loved you, Chloe."
"I would have loved him. Because he raised an incredible man. And I think Eleanor, somewhere up there, is smiling down at us. Because you finally came back to the place where she thought you could be happy."
"I'm going to be happy, and so are you." He slid his arms around her, and she was overwhelmed by feelings of love. "Let's start being happy right now," he said.
"I'm in. I'm kid free for twenty-four hours. What are you going to do with me?"
He leaned in and whispered, "Love you like you've never been loved before."
Her eyes filled with teary emotion. "That's what I want to do with you, too."
"I want to say something else. No one and nothing will ever be more important than you, Chloe. I know what else is out there. And what you and I have, it's extraordinary. I'll fight forever to protect it. I'll fight forever for the opportunity to be with you."
The fierce love and desire in his eyes matched what she felt in her heart. Decker might have started out as Mr. Wrong, but he was definitely the right man for her.
"I'm going to fight for you, too. But right now, I just want to kiss you."
She closed her eyes as their mouths came together. It was the beginning of a new adventure for both of them.
Epilogue
A year later…
Chloe looked at herself in the dressing room mirror at the Woodside Chapel in Whisper Lake and marveled at her image. She'd never thought she'd put on another wedding dress, but this beautiful, simple white gown was exactly right.
She'd never believed she'd find a love that was so absolutely perfect it still scared her a little. But in Decker she had truly found her match, a man who was strong and independent, highly intelligent, and good at just about everything. He was also kind, loving, and romantic.
The past year had flown by. Decker had gone back and forth to LA a few times to move his life and his business to Whisper Lake. They'd had some ups and downs, some growing pains in their relationship, but she had never ever doubted that they'd end up here, because they'd each found what they needed in the other person.
Hannah came up behind her, smiling at her in the mirror. "You're a beautiful bride, Chloe."
"And you're a beautiful bridesmaid."
"Thank you for not making us wear matching dresses," Hannah said as she pressed her hands down the side of her champagne-colored cocktail dress.
She smiled. "I'm just glad you all wanted to participate. It feels a little weird since it's my second wedding."
"Oh, stop." Hannah cut her off with a wave of her hand. "It's love, and that's all that matters. I'm thrilled to see you happy again. I love Decker, and I know he's always going to be there for you. So we are all going to celebrate today."
