Page 24 of The Husband Situation

No, she strode up to him and didn’t stop. Didn’t stop until she reached him and threw her body against his, depending on him to catch her. And he did. His big, strong hands gripped her hips, and she cupped his face, tipping it down as she rose on her toes.

She kissed him.

In front of the whole town, right there on Main Street, she kissed him and claimed him as hers.

At first, he didn’t react, remained frozen.

And as her heart throbbed painfully in her chest, his grip tightened on her. He parted his lips and wrenched control of the kiss, taking her mouth in a furious, fierce kiss that set her ablaze. Winding her arms around his neck, she clung to him, surrendering to the passion that wrapped around them in a fiery embrace.

When he finally lifted his head, it was only far enough to stare down into her eyes, their breath still comingling.

“Tell me,” he ordered, raising one hand to her cheek. “I need to hear it.”

She didn’t need for him to clarify. She simply knew.

“I love you. And I’m so sorry for not taking that leap with you on Friday. For letting you leave. Please forgi—”

“Shh.” He shook his head, placing a softer but no less passionate kiss on her lips. “There’s nothing to forgive or apologize for. You just had to get here, and I’m just thankful you didn’t take too long.”

She smiled, and not even the Christmas lights strung above them could rival the brightness inside her.

“Me, too—oh wait.” She loosened her arms from around him and dug a hand into her coat pocket. A moment later she pulled free the large plastic ring and held it up. “Patrick King, will you marry me...again?”

A grin slowly spread across his face, and she blinked at the beauty of it. He lifted his left hand, and she slid the plastic jewelry on his ring finger.

“On one condition.” He threaded his fingers through hers, kissing the backs. “You meet me in front of the Christmas tree, and we make both of our dreams come true.”

She blinked back the sudden sting of tears, and briefly closed her eyes before reopening them and meeting his beautiful turquoise eyes.

“Deal.”

He sealed his promise—and their future—with a kiss.