“Never mind.” He smiled, drawing her closer, his heart stuttering as her head settled against his shoulder. He breathed her in, hardly able to believe she was in his arms again after all these years. But there was still so much unsaid between them.
“My grandparents seem to be having a good time despite the car debacle.”
In the middle of the pack Mr. Stuart spun his wife out, then gathered her close again, laughing.
“Fifty years...,” Luke said.
“Twice as long as I’ve been alive.”
“They’re a good match.”
“Well, they’re not perfect... but they’re perfect for each other.”
Was she still talking about her grandparents? The air seemed to crackle between them. His chest tightened as his heart swelled with love for her.
He wanted that for himself, fifty years of love and marriage.
And he knew with sudden certainty—he wanted it with Allie.
***
Allie breathed Luke in, relishing the feel of being in his arms again. As a girl she’d dreamed of this, and later she’d had him for a short while. But her feelings for Luke had grown and deepened. What she felt now was no longer the crush of a girl but the mature love of a woman.
Luke saw her for the way she was—he always had. She was most herself when she was with him, and she didn’t worry she’d disappoint him. The thought of it tightened her chest.
“Allie?” Luke drew back, his hand sliding from the center of her back to her side.
That voice. Those hands. Those eyes. He looked at her with such intensity that her breath hitched.
“I’m glad we got to spend the last two days together.” His lips curled in a smile. “I’ve enjoyed your company. Enjoyed getting to know you all over again.”
“It’s been fun—minus the rabid raccoon and, you know, the grand theft auto.”
He chuckled. “You made even those things worthwhile.”
She fell into those green eyes, her mouth going dry. She couldn’t even think, much less speak.
“I know this might seem sudden, but somehow it isn’t sudden at all.” His smile had fallen away, leaving a warm and wistful look on his face. “I love you, Allie Adams—I don’t think I ever stopped.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. He’d echoed her own thoughts so perfectly. How had she gone all these years without him?
“Oh, Luke. I love you too.”
The corners of his eyes relaxed, and his mouth curved as he leaned closer and brushed her lips with his. Soft and firm and gentle. Then he hovered over her for a moment, meeting her gaze, his breath a gentle whisper before he reclaimed her mouth.
He gathered her closer, and Allie wound both arms around him, her fingers finding home in the soft dark hair at his nape. She forgot to dance. Forgot to breathe. Forgot everything but the man in her arms. The man who’d always felt like hers.
When he finally drew away, he captured her face between his hands and gave her an intent look. “Best. Detour. Ever.”
She chuckled, warmth spreading its languid fingers throughout her. She caught her mom’s eyes across the floor where she danced with Allie’s father.
Mom gave her a wink.
“Um, I think they’re on to us,” Allie said.
Luke followed her gaze, then looked back to Allie. “I hope they approve. Because I intend to kiss their daughter a lot more.”
Allie gave him a saucy look. “Is that a fact?”
