My voice softens. “I found a life that actually feels like mine.”
His chest rises hard beneath his T-shirt.
I step closer until I’m standing between his knees. “You know what I realized?”
Daltyn’s hands settle against my hips automatically. Like even now, his body reaches for me instinctively.
“What?” he asks hoarsely.
“I stopped missing Florida.”
Something breaks open in his expression. Like years of loneliness cracking apart at the seams.
Tears sting my eyes.
“I love it here,” I whisper. “I love the life we built.” My voice shakes harder. “And you…”
His hands tighten against my hips.
“I’m completely in love with you.”
Daltyn closes his eyes briefly, as if the words physically hurt him.
Then, suddenly, he stands so fast that I gasp softly as his hands cup my face.
“Peyton…” His voice breaks.
And I think that’s when I fully understand just how terrified he’s been.
“I want to stay,” I whisper. “I want you.”
I straighten my shoulders.
“I choose you.”
A rough sound leaves his chest before he pulls me against him so tightly I can barely breathe.
But honestly? I’ve never felt safer in my life.
His face buries against my neck.
And when he finally speaks, his voice sounds wrecked.
“You’re home to me, too.”
EPILOGUE
Christmas at the cabin looks like something ripped straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Snow falls softly outside the windows while twinkle lights glow everywhere.
And I mean everywhere.
Daltyn may have slightly lost his mind decorating.
Okay. More than slightly.
There’s a massive Christmas tree in the corner covered in ornaments and at least three hundred twinkling lights. Lighted garland wraps around the staircase banister and along the fireplace mantle. Stockings hang from the fireplace while Bing Crosby croons softly through the speakers.
