Maddy nodded. In spite of her dad’s foolish choices, she knew Connor was right. She was working through the past with a good therapist. It was helping. Life wasn’t perfect. If it were, would she adequately appreciate all the good things? She didn’t think so.
She turned in Connor’s arms. And there were a lot of good things, she was beginning to see. She couldn’t help smiling up at her fiancé’s handsome face.
“It’s a perfect day,” she said. “But it’s a little sad that this might be our last family gathering here.”
He tipped her chin up. “What if I told you that didn’t have to be the case?”
She searched his eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve been in negotiations with your grandma. What would you think if I sold my cottage, and we bought this one?”
She gasped. “Really?”
“Really.”
She grabbed him, giving him a hard hug. “Can we afford it? Are you sure you want to do that?”
He drew back. “She cut me a good deal. I can see us living here, Maddy. Filling up all these rooms with little Sullivans. Can’t you?”
“Yes!” She could see them coming home to eat supper on the deck. Could see them taking long walks on the beach. And yes, she could definitely see their little family growing larger right here on the beach.
Her mouth stretched into a grin.
He placed his hands on the railing, trapping her there, then tilted his head, an inquisitive look in his eyes. “And what are you thinking about now, my soon-to-be bride?”
She gave him a slow, flirty smile. “You. Me. Us.”
The look in his eyes shifted, going to smoldering. “Hmm. I’m liking the direction of this conversation. Talk to me.”
She cupped his face, bringing his mouth to hers in a slow, lingering kiss that sent a shiver through her. Made her knees go wobbly. He deepened the kiss, dragging her closer, making her heart thump, her head spin.
“Mmm,” he murmured against her lips a moment later. “Tell me more.”
She smiled and did just as he suggested.
