“I could have another—” his eyes gleamed mischievously.
“No!” She laughed, pressing a finger to his chest. “You’ll just make me have to take another one. It would be an endless cycle.”
He laughed. “True. Okay, you shower while I shave then we’ll heat up our burgers, relax, then go to bed.”
“Sounds perfect.” She turned the shower on again, the spray creating a misty halo in the bathroom light as she stepped in and washed.
Later, they sat on the plush sofa, Skylar had her feet tucked beneath her and watched a movie until heavy eyelids signaled bedtime. In the bedroom, she placed her head on his broad chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath her ear, her arm draped across his waist. Contentment washed over her like a gentle tide as she reflected on how coming to Clifton, Montana had led her to the love of her life. This strong, loving man wasthe one she would love until her last breath escaped her lips, and the way he held her close told her he felt exactly the same. They had a wonderful future ahead of them, filled with moments both passionate and peaceful. Of that, she had absolutely no doubt.
Epilogue
Rawley guided his pickup down the winding country road toward his parents’ two-story colonial. Skylar sat bundled in her cream cashmere sweater that he’d gotten her, watching snowflakes dance across the frost-laden pines that lined their route.
“I’m so happy my parents are here too.” Skylar’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she grinned.
“Me too. I’m glad our parents get along so well,” Rawley replied.
“I am too. Your parents were so thoughtful to invite them to stay with them. Since Thanksgiving, our mothers have become thick as thieves.”
Rawley glanced over his shoulder at the pile of wrapped packages, each topped with hand-tied satin bows. “You know you didn’t have to get my parents anything.”
“You got my parents presents,” she countered.
“Well, yeah.”
“‘Well, yeah?’ That’s your response?” She raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled. “What do you want me to say?”
“What did you get them?” Skylar twisted in her seat, her blonde hair cascading over one shoulder.
“You’ll see when they open them.” He did his best not to grin.
“Oh, come on. You know exactly what I got your parents.”
Rawley sighed. “I got your father a German crystal etched beer stein with his last name and initial. And I found your mother this hand-painted ceramic coffee mug with a matching lid.” He shrugged.
“They’ll love those. My mother loves her coffee mugs,” Skylar said.
“I hope so.”
“Of course, they will. They love you.”
“I feel the same about them.” He cleared his throat.
“What’s wrong?” Her forehead creased with concern.
“Not a thing, darlin’. My stomach’s just growling something fierce. I swear I can smell that honey-glazed ham and stuffed turkey from here.”
“You’re hungry.” She smirked. “What about tired and horny?”
Rawley laughed. “When it comes to you, I’m always horny.”
“Likewise,” Skylar whispered, her cheeks flushing pink.
He eased the truck up the snow-dusted driveway and parked close to the porch. After killing the engine, he hopped out, his boots crunching in the fresh powder as he circled around to open Skylar’s door. She stepped down, her knee-high boots leaving imprints. Rawley retrieved an armful of presents wrapped in shimmering silver and deep blue paper, passing several to Skylar before nodding toward the house, where golden light spilled from every window.
As they approached the wide porch with its twinkling white lights, the door swung open. His mother stood framed in the doorway, her silver-streaked hair pulled into an elegant knot.
