One Year Later
Kate entered the resort and immediately ran her mittened hands over her dripping hair, shaking loose the melted snow that clung to each wayward strand. She stomped her boots a few times then scanned the room until she met his eyes.
Those pine-green windows to his soul that could steal her breath away and make her heart pound faster than the hooves of a racing horse locked on to hers. Liam smiled at her, his gaze not leaving her face as she made her way toward him. This was what happiness felt like. True, unadulterated joy. These days, she wanted for nothing, because her heart was full. She had the love of a good man.
“How was the venue?” Liam put down his magazine on the table beside his chair. He reached forward, slipped his arms around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap.
She let out a breathless laugh but still threw her arms around his neck. “Liam! I’m dripping wet! It’s nearly a blizzard out there.”
He craned his head around her, looking out the large glass windows of the doors on the far side of the lobby. “I told you we should have had a June wedding, but you insisted.”
Kate laughed again, slipping her hands into the hair at the back of his head. “Don’t you pin this on me. It was you who wanted to come all the way out here to get married. The problem with that is we can’t control the weather.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the doors herself. “I doubt we’ll be able to get any good outdoor pictures or be able to do any of the activities we planned. The forecast says it might even get worse.”
Liam reached up and grasped her chin with his finger and thumb. “Hey, it’s okay. I don’t need any of that. I just need you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “That’s all I’ll ever need.”
“And tomorrow, when we stand in front of our family and friends, you will get exactly that.” Kate leaned down, claiming his mouth with hers. “One more day,” she murmured as she pulled back. “And I’m all yours.”
“Ack. Get a room, you two.”
Kate pulled back and giggled as she met Ansley’s gaze. It was a blend of amusement and something else she couldn’t put her finger on. Her friend placed her hands on her hips and shook her head, letting out an exaggerated groan and causing several heads to turn their way. “You guys are lucky I think you’re so cute together. Or this would have never happened.” She gestured to the two of them before she wandered off, leaving a trail of wet snow in her wake as it fell from her boots and coat.
“She’s right, you know,” Liam murmured, his gaze following Ansley until she disappeared from view. “If she hadn’t been willing to help me win you back, this wedding might not have even happened. I’m still surprised she didn’t block my number.”
Kate nodded. “Yeah, I know.” Ansley had surprised them both.
“Maybe we should do something for her—you know, to show her our appreciation.”
She met Liam’s gaze once more. “Like what? A necklace?”
He chuckled, tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear as he shook his head. “Naw, I’m thinking something—bigger. You know, more romantic.”
Her brows furrowed, and she tilted her head. “I know that look. Liam Harper, what are you planning?”
Her fiancé shrugged, but his smile widened further, making her heart skip a beat.
He shifted and looked away for just a moment. “I don’t know if you’d approve.”
Kate leaned back, studying him. Her eyes narrowed, and she pressed her lips into a thin line. This was Liam she was talking to. He was a big ol’ romantic at heart. If anyone could help Ansley in that department, it was him. “You know what? I trust you. Whatever it is, I’m game.”
A deep chuckle escaped his chest, vibrating through her body. “Good. Because I already invited someone to the wedding who I think is perfect for her, and I fully intend on making them fall in love while we’re at the resort.” He gestured around them at the high ceilings, the Christmas decor, and the mistletoe that hung over the fireplace in the corner. “This place helped us fall in love, why can’t it work for Ansley too?”
Warmth spread throughout her entire body, and a mischievous smile filled her face. He made a good point. “I’m so in.”
Liam pulled her in for one more deep, toe-curling kiss before he pulled back again, leaving Kate somewhat dazed. He brushed his thumb along her jaw and set those heart-stopping eyes on her. “I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you.”