Sam stood by the open window, peering through the louvered shutters at the beauty that was Wildwood by night. He saw a midnight sky—moonlit and star spangled—tall pines, a shimmering lake. He breathed deeply of the April-scented breeze.
Contentment settled over him, caressing his soul, warming his heart. He thought of the past six months and of the miracle love had already worked on his lonely life. His eyes filled with tears he'd barely managed to hide during his wedding in the Wildwood chapel only hours before.
He glanced toward the bed and Libby, sleeping so peacefully there, bathed in the moon's glow streaming through the skylight. He smiled to himself, unashamedly shedding some of those happy tears. How he loved his new wife. What marvelous plans he had for them—plans involving their new house, children, an eternity of togetherness.
Sam looked back out the window, spotting the lighted sign identical to the one that had, one rainy day not so very long ago, challenged the miserable man he once was.
Find Romance at Wildwood.
He smiled, thinking he was going to have to change it to read Find romance, love, and forever after at Wildwood.
Suddenly arms slipped around his waist from behind. He turned in Libby's embrace so he could hug her back. She raised her face to his for a kiss and then pulled away, frowning as she reached up to wipe away a stray tear.
"Regret?" she asked, her voice a whisper in the dark.
"Happiness." Smiling, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back to the bed so he could share it.