Chapters (36)

He kisses me like he’s missed me as much as I’ve missed him. Like maybe he wants to meld us into one person. He kisses me like half the town isn’t watching us, but they definitely are. The clapping and cheering that starts up makes that abundantly clear. And still, he keeps kissing me.

I kiss him back with everything I have.

When we finally break for air, we’re both smiling like fools. He goes in for one more quick kiss, then says, “So what do we do now, and how do we make these people go away?”

As if on cue, my stomach lets out a loud, long rumble, and we both laugh.

“Can you make me a burger?” I ask, using my sweetest voice. The one I know he can’t say no to.

He smiles at me, looking honestly happier than I’ve ever seen him. And he says, “Baby, anything you want, it’s yours.”

I grin, taking his hand and leading him down from the gazebo. Then together, we walk away from the crowd, ignoring everything our friends and neighbors are calling out to us. When I gesture for my family, May, Elise, and Grant follow us across the street and over to the diner.

Travis pulls out a chair for me at an empty table, and I sit. But I can’t take my eyes off him as he goes behind the counter to pour a cup of coffee. Setting it down in front of me, he presses a kiss to the top of my head. And damn, I could get used to this.

As he turns to walk away again, I reach out and grab his ass. Because I can do that now. Even if he’d probably still prefer I don’t do it in public.

He jumps and slaps at my hand, but he’s laughing. It’s a beautiful sound.

Taking a sip of coffee, I smile in contentment. Perfect, like always. The truth is though, I don’t need Travis to make me coffee or burgers or pancakes, as much as I crave those things. Even if he was as terrible of a cook as I am, I’d still want him.

I’ll wait until we’re alone to tell him that when he gave me his heart, he gave me the only thing I really need from him. The rest is just a bonus.

EPILOGUE

BRENDEN

SIX WEEKS LATER