I grin at him. “Hopefully, we’ll live long and happy lives together.”
“Hopefully.”
There’s something in his voice that tells me he doesn’t believe we’ll make it, and it has worry creeping into my heart.
“You don’t sound so sure,” I mention.
He turns his head toward me. “Oh, I’m sure.”
“But?”
“You might change your mind about us at some point.”
I climb onto his lap and rest my hands on his shoulders. “Once I make up my mind about something, I see it through.” I lean forward and press a soft kiss to his lips. “And I’ve made up my mind about you, Levi. I want a future with you.”
Gripping me by the back of my neck, he pulls me closer and seals his mouth to mine.
This time, the kiss feels different. It’s as if Levi is savoring every swipe of our tongues. I can feel his love for me as his lips massage mine.
By the time he pulls back, I’m a little emotional, and I can see by the expression tightening his features, he feels the same.
“The things you make me feel. The emotions you bring out in me,” Levi murmurs, staring at me with so much wonder in his gaze, there’s no doubt in my mind that he loves me. “I want to build a future with you, Kelcie.”
Not wanting to disrupt our intimate bubble, I whisper, “I want that too.”
When I hear Jordan’s car pull up, I shoot to my feet and hurry to open the front door.
There’s a happy smile on my face, and as my brother climbs out of his car, his eyes lock on me. He stops moving and just stares at me, an emotional expression tightening his features.
“Why are you standing out there? It’s freezing,” I say. “Come inside!”
Jordan begins to move again, and I quickly step aside. The instant I shut the door behind us, blocking out the icy wind, he grabs me into a tight hug.
“God, Kelcie. You look so much better,” he murmurs near my ear. “I’m so relieved.”
Even though I know the answer, I jokingly ask, “Was I such a big mess?”
Jordan pulls back so he can look me over from head to toe. “I was worried. I didn’t think you’d be able to pull yourself out of your grief.”
My smile fades a little because it’s still difficult to talk about our grief and family.
“I didn’t. It’s all Levi.”
My brother glances at the sparsely decorated living room and kitchen. “Where is he?”
“Next door. I wanted ten minutes alone with you.” I gesture at the couch. “Have a seat while I make us some hot chocolate.”
Jordan sits down and asks, “Did you talk to Levi about spending the holidays with me?”
“Yes, and he agreed, but we’re bringing his dog. She’s really well trained.”
My brother lets out a sigh of relief. “I’m just glad you’re coming.”
I carry our steaming mugs of chocolaty goodness to the living room and hand one to Jordan. Sitting down, I turn slightly to face him before I say, “Levi isn’t very social, but it doesn’t mean he’s rude, so please don’t be offended if his replies are short.” I give my brother a pleading look. “It’s very important to me that the two of you get along.”
Jordan tilts his head, and his gaze searches mine before he asks, “Do you love him, Kelcie?”
I’m overcome with everything I feel for Levi as I nod. “With all my heart.”
