“Definitely sounds like an excellent discussion to have over dinner.” He scanned the shop with a growing grin. “And I'll be free from the mill to try my hand at shopkeeping.”
“Maybe even expanding the boardinghouse into a hotel?”
His brows shot north. “I think we've got conversations for dinner fully covered through dessert and maybe breakfast tomorrow morning.”
“Besides Gayle giving me such a good deal on the shop, I have some money saved too.” Kizzie laughed and rocked on tiptoe to kiss his lips. “With more on the way.”
“Do you?”
“It ain't a great lot, but enough to start, especially if you wanted to go in with me to help.” She nodded. “I invested in some friends’ new gristmill back where I used to live. They bought some land from me and plan to pay for the rest as they grow their business.”
His thumb slid over her cheek. “You're just full of surprises, aren't you?”
“I don't know about that, but I'll tell you what my heart is filled with right now.” She slipped close again, and his arm linked about her waist, pulling her against him with Charlie happily squished in the middle. Well, Charlie and the next little family member. “Love for you, Noah Lewis.”
His laugh filled the room until his lips met hers again, sweet, strong, and promising more than her dreams ever imagined.
Being here, with him, fit together perfectly. This shop, their little family.
This was home.
Exactly where she belonged.
Epilogue
March 1920
“ISHOULD BE BACK BYtomorrow night.” Noah zipped his duffel bag closed and turned toward the foyer of the house his growing family called home. Complete with a very happy grandmother to coddle the children to her heart's content.
“I packed you a sandwich for the train.” Kizzie stepped forward with Charlie hopping behind, his grin wide and as welcoming as ever.
“And a slice of cake,” Mother added, following with a wide-eyed baby Julia in her arms.
Well, she wasn't as much of a baby anymore. Over a year now. And she wouldn't be the baby of the family come summer. His gaze dropped to Kizzie's middle, where the next addition grew. His smile spread with the gratitude in his chest.His family.
“I can eat at a restaurant if I need something, ladies.” He chuckled, dropping the bag at his feet as they approached.
“Daddy's going!” Charlie hopped close enough for Noah to sweep him up in his arms. The little boy's giggles never grew old. Neither did the worddaddy.
“Only fortwo days.” He emphasized the words as he met his wife's gaze. “And Molly has already agreed to help out some more at the store, so you can be free to check on the hotel construction.”
Kizzie set the lunch bag on top of his duffel and sent him a saucy look. “Are you afraid I can't handle everything without you, Noah Lewis?”
He captured her around the waist and pulled her close. “I'm certain you can, but I just don't want you getting used to it.”
She pressed a kiss to his lips. “I don't plan on it.”
At her clear display of affection, Charlie planted his own kiss directly on Noah's mouth too.
“A man who's loved so well will always make short trips.” Mother stepped forward to give Noah access to his little girl.
She boasted the same dark hair and large blue eyes as her mother, and her smile proved every bit as active as her big brother's.
“And don't forget, next week your sister and her husband are coming for a visit, so you can't stay gone too long anyway.”
As if he'd ever want to.
He grinned at his mother, living in her element. Surrounded by family. Clarice had seen the news about George in the papers and come home to be with her mother, reconnecting their families in a way they'd only hoped might happen.
