“And it’s absolutely true.” He swallowed, curling and uncurling his hands. “Does that mean you wish to stay?”
She nodded, and his heart leapt in joy. “I don’t ever want to be anywhere without you,” she said. “I only planned to leave because I thought you didn’t want me.”
“I want you, Sophia. More than anything.” He closed the distance between them, unable to stay away from her any longer. He placed his hands on either side of her perfect, beautiful face as she tilted her head up.
“Will you finally kiss me now?”
He laughed, but only for a second, because he’d been waiting for that invitation for so long. He covered her mouth with his, gentle at first, until she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.
And then everything fell away. There was no Durham or Miss Timperman, no deception, no money, no anything at all except for the two of them. She surrounded him and became part of his very being until he thought he couldn’t breathe without her there.
When he tried to pull away, she drew him back, her sweet lips seeking his out again, until finally, both of them breathless, they drew apart.
He enveloped her in his arms, her back to his chest, as they looked over the land toward the mountains.
“Tell me,” she said. “Will there be a porch on either side of the house so we can take in the sunrise and the sunset?”
“Of course. With rocking chairs.”
“And chickens. Can we have chickens?” She tilted her head to look up at him, and Matthew thought he’d never seen anyone so enthused about chickens.
“Why not? We could keep goats too, if you wish. And a milk cow.”
She smiled, content, and leaned back against him. “Then I believe I will remain married to you, Mr. Canton.”
He threw back his head and laughed before turning her around to kiss her again.
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER . ..
Sophia stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at the milk cow.
“The chickens are easy. The goats love me. But you. You are one ornery creature,” she said.
The cow stamped her hoof and lowed. Sophia shook her head. “I suppose I’ll come back when you’re in a better mood.”
