He held out a hand to her and that was all it took for her make her final move.
Kat threw herself into his arms and kissed him deeply. It was a searing, searching kind of kiss. One full of apologies and heartbreak but also full of promises and love.
The concept of picking a point in one’s life where they could die happy had never sat right with him. If there ever was a moment he would choose, it might be this one. The strange thing about that sentiment was the loss of all the good memories that would come after.
Leo could admit he was selfish. He wanted more of this. More time with her. More laughter. More teasing. And yes, more heartache. Because in those darkest moments, he could see the absolute joy he laid claim to when she was in his arms.
He pulled back, chuckling as several restaurant goers clapped for them. Pressing his forehead to hers, he murmured, “This doesn’t seem like the kind of place you’d pick for a first date.”
“Oh? And what kind of place do you think I’d pick?”
Leo shrugged. “You think there are any remote cabins with no power? It’s still raining outside. I was thinking it might be fun to get stranded together.”
She tossed back her head with a laugh.
Dang, he loved that sound. More than life itself.
“No, I don’t think there are any cabins around here.” She chewed on her lower lip. “But I heard there’s a club about thirty minutes from here where they play country music and serve a mean steak.”
He let his gaze roam over her body unabashedly. “I wouldn’t say no to seeing you in a pair of Daisy Dukes and those boots that drove me wild.”
Kat tilted her head. “Yeah?”
Leo nodded, slanting his mouth closer to hers. “Yeah,” he rasped. “Then again, I think I’ve waited long enough to have you home. Maybe we just catch a flight now and sneak away to Rocky Ridge where you belong.”
Her eyes widened and already knew she’d argue. Kat Jerris wasn’t someone who did things spontaneously. She was aplanner and if they were lucky, she’d be ready to move back at the end of the summer. He ignored the pang of disappointment, reminding himself this would be a big change for her. “I’m kidd?—”
Kat grabbed her purse. “Let’s go. Maybe if we’re lucky, your mom will have leftovers in the fridge and we can stargaze in the front yard.”
His mouth hung open and she laughed again.
“What?” she asked. “There’s plenty of time to figure this stuff out and it’s not like I can’t handle things remotely for the most part. Sure, there will be some back and forth in the beginning, but?—”
Leo wrapped her into his arms and swung her around, careful not to let either of them hit the tables or guests surrounding them. When he finally put her down, he pushed his forehead to hers again. “I love you, Princess.”
Her hand came to his cheek. “I love you, too. Always.”
With that, she slipped her hand into his. “Come on, big guy. Take me home, Leo.”
“It’d be my pleasure.”
EPILOGUE
A FEW MONTHS LATER
Kat dugthe shovel into the dirt and flashes from the photographers lit up the surrounding area. She smiled to herself as she lifted the shovel and tossed it aside before turning her grin to the onlookers. “Today marks the groundbreaking for Legacy Investments Inc. This company started small by a man one could only respect and admire.” Kat glanced toward her father who stood beside Chaz at the far end of the temporary stage they’d set up.
The building would be a fraction of the size of the one in New York and the style was more rustic. Kat didn’t want to take away from the beauty that Rocky Ridge had to offer.
“Not only will Legacy Investments work with our clients on this side of the country, we’ll be adding to our portfolio and helping bridge the gap for community outreach. We’ll be partnering with members throughout the community who have already got a foothold in helping veterans and those with disabilities. Our goal is to bring the community at large together so we’re a stronger force—one to be reckoned with.”
Applause erupted followed by more flashes of the cameras.
Kat moved off the stage toward the one man who had stood by her side through it all.
Leo enveloped her into a hug, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
Chills skittered up her spine and she pulled back to smile at him. “Thank you, Leo.”
