“I’m heading to the shop first to frame some prints.See you tomorrow.”Kitto grinned, pausing at the door.“Middlemarch feels like home, but I miss Ma and Pa.Jago and Calan too, even if they are bossy pains.”
“We see their ugly mugs once a week on video.”
“Not the same.I miss the in-person chaos.”
“Mama and Papa are happy in Scotland, and like keeping tabs on Stoneford through Niall.But Jago and Calan might visit.”
“They’re jealous,” Kitto said, smug now.“Especially since I showed them my new commission and shiny red motorcycle.”
After he left, the day dragged.Sienna checked the crockpot three times, rearranged the cushions twice, and paced from kitchen to front window more than she cared to admit.This felt like the beginning of everything she wanted, so naturally, her brain tried to sabotage it.
A knock came two hours earlier than expected.
Her stomach flipped.Her feline senses stretched, and her heart leaped.
“Liam!”
“I didn’t stop for a break, and traffic was light,” he said, gaze sweeping her from head to toe with a heat that made her shiver.“I couldn’t wait.”
His honesty and the blazing love in his expression dissolved her anxiety.She launched herself into his arms, and he caught her, embracing her tightly.Their kiss felt like home and the start of an adventure, and they didn’t come up for air for a long time.
“I’m so glad to see you,” Liam murmured, voice thick with emotion.“The mountains were stunning, but I kept wishing you were there.”
“I missed you too,” she laughed.“Kitto was ready to lock me outside for excessive pacing.”
“Where is he?”
“Babysitting Emily and Saber’s twins.”
“Those two are pint-sized chaos.Saber and I used to barricade ourselves in the office.”
“Kitto handles them like a pro.Emily calls him her secret weapon.”She threaded her fingers through his.“Come inside.I want to hear everything and show you what we’ve done to make this place homey.”
He didn’t follow.
Instead, Liam scooped her into his arms.
“Liam!”
He grinned, boyish and bright.“I like traditions, so I’m carrying you over the threshold.”
“We’ve already been here together.”
“Not like this.The first time as…” He hesitated.“Partners—no, more than that.”
Her heart melted, and she kissed his cheek.“Definitely more.And I love that you wanted to mark the occasion.”
He carried her into the kitchen.Sunshine bathed the space, the rich scent of beef stew wafting from the crock pot and enveloping them.
“Smells amazing,” he said, cupping her face and kissing her slowly.When they parted, both were breathless.“I love you, Sienna.”
“And I am so in love with you.Even when you’re early and mess with my perfectly timed dinner.”
Peace settled over her.This was right.
“Now,” she said, stepping back reluctantly, “tell me about the mountains while I finish dinner.”
Liam leaned against the counter, words tumbling out as he described Cam’s station—the endless views, the braided silver rivers, and the sunrise over snow-dusted peaks.
