“You’re my favorite,” he said, no jest in his voice.

She looked up at him, at his handsome face, at the love in his eyes, her heart feeling too big for her chest. “Is it time for our happily-ever-after yet?”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek and then whispered against her ear, “Once upon a time, there was a feisty little girl named Kincaid who met this awkward little boy when she was out walking one day. She adopted him as her friend on sight, and he knew his life would never be the same…”

Yes. It was just about time.

Epilogue

One year later

“We should’ve gotten fireworks.” Kincaid frowned at the wreath she’d hung on the door of the B and B. “Or maybe a marching band. I bet the high school band would work for a small donation. They could do Christmas carols and the fight song.” She turned to her husband. “Or maybe…”

Ash, who was on a ladder hanging the last of the Christmas lights, peeked at her over his shoulder. “I think Barry and Beula would veto fireworks and the band. We might give them little goat heart attacks.”

Kincaid peered out at the two goats munching on a nearby bush, their little tails twitching happily. “Yeah, you’re right. Don’t want to scare the kids.”

He chuckled as he climbed down from the ladder. “You never get tired of that joke. I don’t think they’re technically kids anymore.”

“They’ll always be kids to me.” She walked over and wrapped her arms around Ash’s waist. “So you don’t think I need more flash and sparkle this weekend?”

Ash smiled, his jaw shadowed with sexy winter scruff, and kissed her. “I think you’re all the sparkle the grand opening is going to need. You’ve invited the whole town, your friends have tapped into all their networks, and I confirmed that two travel-and-leisure reporters from Austin are coming. You’re going to wow them with the menu, the accommodations, and your charm.”

She sighed, her nerves still hopping in her belly. “You really think so?”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “How could they not be wowed? You’re completely irresistible.”

She grinned. “I think you may be a little biased, cupcake. I sleep with you.”

“Nope. It’s a scientific fact,” he declared. “We’re already booked up for Valentine’s weekend. I have a feeling after the opening celebration, word is going to get out and we’re going to have a packed house all the time.”

“Mmm,” she said, picturing the B and B filled with happy guests. “A packed house. No more sex on the living room floor.”

He laughed. “This is why we’re closed one week each month. That’s living-room sex week.”

“Ah.” She nodded. “I’ll mark that down on the calendar.”

He kissed her again, but they were interrupted by the sound of a car coming up the drive. She lifted her head and smiled at the parade of vehicles making its way to the farmhouse.