He flashed a grin as he stood and drew her into her arms. He kissed her again, that beautiful mouth of his demanding a response she was only too happy to give. Long moments later she was melting under his skilled lips. He was very good at this. She’d had many questions over the pastfew months, but right now there was only one: How in the world had she forgottenthis?
When their breaths were ragged and their skin heated, he drew away, putting only a few inches between them. “I almost forgot how good this was.”
“Well, I totally forgot, and now I’m kicking myself for all the time we lost. Jonah, you’re everything to me. I’ve never been so happy in all my life. Thank you for being so patient with me.”
“You’re worth the wait, honey.”
Her heart melted at the sweet words, at the tenderness on his face. Then a movement from her periphery caught her attention. “Um, Jonah, your parents are watching from the window.”
“Well, I wouldn’t let them come out.”
She snorted.
“They begged.”
Typical. She slid her hand up to his shoulder so she could admire the beautiful ring. Thefamiliarring. “Um, Jonah, I couldn’t love the ring more. But full disclosure here... This isn’t exactly the first time I’ve seen it.”
He leaned back. “What?”
Just then Tammy rushed from the lodge, beaming at them. Tom lumbered behind her. They’d waited as long as they could.
“It seems we have company,” Lauren said. “I’ll fill you in later.”
Then she was swept up into a hug. Tammy was gushing and blubbering. Well, all of them were blubbering a little. After an exchange of hellos and hugs and congratulations, their happy little party headed for the warmth of the lodge, Jonah’s arm draped around her shoulders.
His parents entered ahead of them.
“Um, wait a minute.” Lauren held Jonah back, then glanced back toward the barn. “I was just wondering... By any chance is my dream job still available?”
“Are you sure that’s what you want? I can move to Boston, Lauren. I’d move there in a heartbeat to be with you.”
Lauren shook her head. “This is what I want. This is my home.”
He kissed her nose. “Then don’t you worry, sweetheart. We’ve been holding that job just for you.”
Epilogue
May was a perfect month for a New Hampshire wedding. Fresh green leaves clothed the trees, colorful tulips dotted the property, the town was not yet teeming with tourists, and business was slow.
Three months wasn’t much time to plan a wedding. But when you knew what you wanted and your dream venue was at your disposal, the prospect wasn’t too daunting. Lauren found her perfect gown on a trip to Portland with Sydney, Meg, and Tammy. The satin A-line dress featured off-the-shoulder sleeves with a fitted waistline. She felt like a princess in the elegant gown. It would be a smallish wedding anyway, with only seventy or so guests. Sydney and Meg would serve as her bridal party, and Javi and Tom would stand with Jonah.
Lauren swept her gaze over the barn’s interior. Tomorrow this place would be filled with friends and family here to witness her union with Jonah. It was still afternoon, so she couldn’t gauge the effects of the twinkle lights just yet. But sunlight would stream through the windows during the ceremony, making it perfect for photography. And by the time the reception was underway, the festive fairy lights would set a celebratory tone.
At the spot where they would exchange their vows, a beautiful archway stood, draped with blush tulle. Tomorrow peonies in blush, white, and ivory would be added. At the thought of exchanging vows with Jonah, Lauren smiled.
She’d only grown to love him more in the weeks since her return. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a man, in a husband, and she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
After Jonah’s proposal she’d given her two weeks’ notice at Glitter, then spent her remaining time there helping her replacement acclimate—it was the same woman Olivia had originally been considering. After some initial frustration, her boss eventually came around—especially once Tammy called and told her how happy they were to be welcoming Lauren into their family.
Lauren had settled into her new role quickly and with a passion she’d never had for her so-called dream job in Boston. The Landrys had been clear from the beginning: the venue was hers to run as she pleased. And run it she had. The summer schedule was quickly filling up. Lauren had scouted out competent caterers, photographers, linen services, and three amazing florists. She’d scoured the area for talented DJs and bands. It seemed only right that the first wedding she’d planned start to finish was Jonah’s and hers.
And then, in the middle of a snowy March, a memory from last summer surfaced from the recesses of her brain. It had been the day she overbooked a cabin and Jonah took her on a bike ride on the rail trail. It was a lovely memory, and after telling Jonah about its emergence, she held it close to her heart.
In the following weeks a few more memories, seemingly random, trickled in. Their time at Flume Gorge, Lauren tossing a pine cone at Jonah, a girls’ night out with Meg and Tammy. They were precious pieces to a puzzle that might never be complete.
But those memories were a bonus, not a necessity. She loved Jonah fully even if her memory was incomplete. Speaking of Jonah...
He’d been very accommodating about the wedding plans. His only stipulations were a particular local band and the honeymoon locale. SoLauren chose the color scheme, invitations, and virtually everything else—though he did assist her with all of it.
