Epilogue

“Wait, not yet.” Steven pulled her back against the truck.

I can’t wait much longer. Christina turned. “We’ve been waiting for months.”

“I know, but now that we’re finally here, we should take a moment to absorb the splendor.”

He snuggled behind her until she rested against his chest. Together, they took in the unbelievable sight of their new home.

“This is our future, Mrs. Peterson.” Steven bent his head next to her ear. “Not only are you my partner in business, but more important, my partner in life.”

Twisting to the side, Christina kissed his cheek. She loved hearing her new name. The past year had seen many changes. Once Steven had declared his love, he asked her to join him on a new adventure. She thought leaving her job and the city would be hard, yet departing had been a simple step forward. Christina stayed with his parents while their house was being constructed, and she opened the new law firm with her fiancé.

Their families weren’t surprised in the least when Christina and Steven announced their engagement. A wedding followed six months later. They had just returned from that tropical paradise he had promised her, where they spent their days frolicking on the beach and their nights wrapped in each other’s arms in a secluded cabin.

“I thought our time on the island was the best, but being here and seeing our home completed tops everything.” Grinning, Christina squeezed her husband’s arms.

“Have I told you today how much I love you?” he whispered in her ear.

“Once or twice, but don’t stop. I never get tired of hearing those words.” Her heart still beat a bit faster each time.

Steven lifted her into his arms and carried her up the pathway.

“What are you doing?” She laughed as she held tight to his arms.

“Tradition is to carry the bride over the threshold.”

“You’re not superstitious.”

“No, but I know once you get through those doors I’ll lose your attention to the décor.” He narrowed his gaze on hers. “You’ll want to explore every room and I have other plans.”

She placed teasing kisses along his neck as he carried her up the front stairs. “And what would that be?”

“What is it they say about practice makes perfect?” He grinned devilishly. “Tanya and Brian’s new baby boy needs a cousin…lots of cousins.”