Because in the middle of the canopy, right over where I would lay in the tub, is a clear opening.
“So covered or not, you’ll always be able to see the sky.” He folds the awning back then shows me how the water works, along with the storage tank that will be refilled by rain before being filtered and heated, and the stack of wood that feeds the attached sauna. He’s thought of every detail so the rest of the little house is just as wonderful: a small kitchenette, a linen closet with bath goodies, a cozy couch I can lay on while reading books I borrow from the shelf in the corner, and?—
Freezing, I notice one more thoughtful detail.
The little square of glass positioned precisely over the couch.
So I can see the sky here too.
My eyes fill with tears.
“You like it?” he asks, swiping away one that’s escaped.
I nod, press my lips to his. “It’s wonderful. Thank you so much.”
“Good.” He reaches into his pocket then passes me an envelope.
“This isn’t more blackmail material, is it?” I manage to joke, though the question is watery.
The corners of his mouth tip up. “No.” He nudges a corner. “Just open it.”
I do, and then?—
“Dammit, Brooks,” I mutter, blinking like a madwoman so I don’t end up collapsing in his arms and sobbing my eyes out. Because it’s the deed to this cabin…and the acreage around it.
“So you’ll always have a safe space that’s just yours.” His mouth curves up further. “All I ask is that you let me sit in that tub with you every once in a while.”
“Hmm.” I tap my bottom lip, grinning. “I’ll consider it.”
“Consider?” he growls, snagging me around the waist and nipping at my lips. “You’llconsiderit?”
“Yup.”
Another nip…followed by a deep, wet kiss that leaves me breathless.
“Still considering?” he asks.
“Absolutely.”
He tugs at a lock of my hair. “Rude.”
“But only because I have a very important question.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
I waggle my brows. “Will you be naked when you’re in the tub with me?”
“Should we find out?” he asks, slanting his lips over mine?—
“Yo!” Rory shouts from outside. “We’re supposed to be having a wedding!”
Giggling, I pull back and glance out the glass doors. Our friends are all standing in the yard, blatantly spying on us. The rain has stopped, blue skies already breaking through the clouds.
“I guess we should go do that thing,” I say lightly.
Brooks grins, takes my hand, and we walk toward the door. “Thatthingbeing marriage?”
“Exactly.” I pull it open, step outside.
