HER SECOND MOST favorite holiday had just moved to first on her list.
And it certainly helped that the Polka Dotted Bakery was back in business and busier than ever. Old employees and customers had found that the mass-produced cupcakes weren’t better than Pepper’s homemade ones. As busy as they were, on Valentine’s Day they closed the shop a little early—for a private engagement.
Pepper and Simon were now officially married.
How was this possible?
Pepper stood in her apartment no longer Pepper Mint Kane, but Mrs. Pepper Ross. She loved the sound of it. But she loved her new husband so much more.
She stared down at the diamond band on her finger and smiled. The truth was that she hadn’t stopped smiling since they were declared husband and wife. Mrs. Simon Ross, Mrs. Pepper Ross, or just plain old Pepper Ross. The smile on her lips grew.
“And what has you smiling so brightly?”
She glanced up at her very handsome husband. “I was just thinking that you’re never going to be able to top this Valentine’s. Ever.”
His brows rose. “Is that a challenge?”
Oh, no. He had that look in his eyes that said she was about to lose. But somehow, she didn’t think it was possible to lose this particular challenge. “Yes. It’s a challenge.”
An I got you smile lifted his lips. “I know next Valentine’s will be even better. Want to know how I know this?”
“How’s that?”
“There will be three of us next year.”
Daisy barked her disagreement and they both laughed.
“Okay. There will be four of us. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
“Why did I ever doubt you?” Her hand smoothed down over her growing baby bump. At four months along, her pregnancy was finally showing.
“You’ll learn to trust me. My family will always be my first priority.”
She reached up, running her fingers gently down his cheek. “I already trust you with my heart.”
He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “How did I ever get so lucky?”
“I guess it’s true what they say, you know, about the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She smiled lovingly into her husband’s eyes. To think she would get to do this for the rest of her life. Her heart fluttered with joy. “We should head out, if we’re going to make it to the country house by dinner.”
“Are you sure that’s where you want our honeymoon? I could call up the jet and have it fly us anywhere in the world.”
She moved toward the kitchen, stopping in the archway to place her wedding bouquet of red roses on the counter. She worried her bottom lip. Was he going to be upset if they didn’t fly away to a warmer climate?
Her heart raced as she worried. This marriage stuff might have a bit of a learning curve.
She turned to him. “But it’s going to snow this weekend. And I thought we could get snowed in together, next to a roaring fire.”
He stepped closer to her. “The image is quite compelling. Whatever my bride wants, my bride shall get.”
Daisy barked in agreement.
“You aren’t upset, are you?”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close. “Not a chance. If we’re really lucky, we’ll get snowed in for weeks.”
“Weeks?”
“You’re right. That’s not long enough. Maybe the rest of winter. Because I couldn’t think of any other place I’d rather be than holding you close as the snow falls. I love you, Mrs. Ross.”
“I love you, Mr. Ross.”
Okay, so maybe the learning curve wasn’t as steep as she’d originally feared. She lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. In fact, learning just might be half the fun.
If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Jennifer Faye
Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring
Claiming the Drakos Heir
Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby
Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Convenient Christmas Date by Barbara Wallace.