“Good.” She slid a finger between the buttons and tugged on the edge of his shirt.

He gave her a slow smile. “I like a woman who knows what she wants.”

“Prove it.”

“Happy to oblige.” He leaned closer, until their noses were inches apart and her beautiful hazel eyes filled his vision. “But let’s take this slow and easy, okay?”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

He checked the heart monitor. Her pulse had picked up, but it was strong and steady.

His own was off the charts.

Because almost from the day they’d met, he’d known Grace Reilly was special—and that this moment would come.

And as he at last lowered his lips to hers, all the unromantic hospital sounds faded into the background.

For Grace was right.

Anywhere would be romantic as long as they were together. For always.

An outcome he intended to pursue with singular focus from this day forward.

Epilogue

WELCOME HOME, MRS. COX.”

As Nate carried her across the threshold of his house—their house now—in a swirl of snow flurries, Grace snuggled into the white faux-fur stole Eve had rounded up for her and tucked the long lace skirt of her wedding gown against her legs.

“None too soon. Much as I love this dress, it was not designed to be worn outdoors in February.”

Nate shut the door with his shoulder but didn’t set her down. “I still can’t believe you wanted to spend our wedding night here. You deserve a suite at the Ritz.”

“The Hawaiian honeymoon you’ve planned is extravagant enough. Besides, what better place to begin our marriage than in the home where, God willing, we’ll raise our family and grow old together? Where the best is yet to be?”

His eyes warmed . . . softened—and a rush of tenderness tightened her throat as his husky words filled her heart with joy. “I love you, Grace Reilly Cox.”

“I love you too, Nathaniel Joseph Cox.” Looping both arms around his neck, she lifted her face toward him.

He responded with a most satisfying kiss that lasted far longer than the polite smooch at church after the pastor pronounced them husband and wife.

“Mmm.” She gave a contented sigh as he at last drew back. “That was delicious.”

“But it was only the appetizer. Get ready for the main course—and dessert.”

A tingle of anticipation zipped through her. “Promises, promises.”

“Soon to be fulfilled.” He started toward the hall.

“You can put me down, you know. We’ve done the threshold thing.”

“Not yet.”

Fine. She was in no rush to leave his arms.

At the closed door of the master bedroom, he stopped. “Want to turn the knob for me? I’d do it myself, but my hands are occupied.”

“What’s it worth to you?” She waggled her eyebrows and snuggled closer.

“Turn the knob and I’ll show you.” He waggled right back, his deep baritone teasingly roguish as he angled sideways so she could reach it.

She twisted the handle, and he pushed the door open with his hip. Stepped inside.