A tear fell from her eye, and he wiped it with his thumb. She felt the same way: found, fixed, and whole. It felt like magic and a miracle all in one.
“I love you more than I thought I could ever love anyone,” he said, finally finishing the sentence from earlier on the porch. It was love.
Her pulse felt steady, yet her heart galloped like a wild mustang. It was a feeling unlike any other—unconditional love and belonging. It was something she’d dreamed about for so long and never thought she would find with a man. She hesitated,willing herself to let go.“I love you too.” Her eyes flooded like a breached dam. “I wasn’t looking for anyone, you know that. But then you invaded my barn. And my heart in the process.”
He laughed. “I did do that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did.” She giggled tearfully and felt it fade into something more serious. “I was lost before, wandering the forest without a compass. And you found me and brought me home.” She gently pressed her lips to his.
“Home, I like that,” he said.
Harry howled from the linoleum floor, and they laughed.
“I think he’s happy,” Noah said, kissing her nose this time.
“He is, and so am I, Noah. So freaking happy.” Tiny winged creatures took flight inside her. She tugged his body closer to hers, never wanting to let him go.
Sothiswas what earth-shattering love was supposed to feel like.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
July 31
Kara walked into the kitchen from the back screened-in porch with a basket full of blooms. “I think this should do it. The tables and chairs are set on the porch with linens, votives, and flowers in case anyone wants to sit outside.” She set the basket on the counter. “I just have to find a few more jars or vases for these, and we should be set.”
“Check the hutch and the pantry,” Dahlia said.
“Great.” She opened the weathered green door. “How about this one?” Kara held up her gran’s blue and white vase.
“Perfect,” she said with a quiet voice. A piece of Gran and Pop would be with them today.
“I still can’t believe Daisy surprised you with that portrait of Lil and that it came in time,” Kara said, filling the vase with water.
“I know, it’s pretty great. She’s pretty great. I wish she were here,” Dahlia said, feeling her heart shrink like a raisin.
“We’ll take lots of video for her,” Kara said, looking over her shoulder.
“I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come last night. It was so nice to have an extra set of hands this morning.”
“Happy to, but are you sure loverboy didn’t mind?”
“Gosh, no. He did his own thing. Plus, I needed some girl time. It was fun to have a sleepover, just like the old days when we took turns sleeping in each other’s rooms. By the way, thanks for the advice on the job situation.” She grabbed her hand. “I desperately needed a sounding board.”
“Did you decide anything?” Kara asked, putting her hair in a ponytail.
“No. What if I let go of this job in Charleston and things fall apart?” Dahlia leaned over the counter, her palms holding up her head.
“Well, no one can tell the future. But you two are solid. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t at least give this a fair shot.”
“Anyone home?” A sexy echo came from the hallway.
Dahlia looked wide-eyed at Kara and mouthed. “Do you think he heard?”
Kara shrugged.
“Hot food coming through,” he said, balancing three big trays. “Where do you want it?”
“The bar is good,” Dahlia said, moving the basket of flowers to the sink.
