Chapter 12
LYDIA
Brand looks hotter than even I expected. The sight of his broad shoulders in that tuxedo jacket was good enough to make me almost drool. And I've seen him in so many amazing ways over the last few weeks. Clothed, naked, soapy in the shower - the man is gorgeous in every imaginable setting.
But this fancy version of him does something to my insides and the gently possessive feel of his hand in the small of my back as we make our way around the ballroom has me thinking all kinds of things. Dirty, hot, sexy things.
"You've got a grin on your face that tells me I want to know exactly what you're thinking."
"Well I'm not telling you anything until you've danced with me at least three times. And you've talked to the mayor, and Rich. They're both looking for you."
Brand sighs. Since he formally agreed to take on the fire chief role, he's had to endure meetings with the county commissioner and navigate governmental bureaucracy far too often. But any time I worry that it will make him want to quit, he just digs in and gets the job done.
I'm the managing administrator for the department, and it's giving me the tangible connection I need with my dad's work.
I've also been working with the museum on their opening plans and going through my father's collection with them.
So many of his cherished things will live on for others to see and learn from.
No longer hidden away in dark, dusty rooms. His legacy to this community.
"Three dances? That's easy. I've been dying to get my hands on you since I saw you in this dress." He chuckles and the sound vibrates into me from behind. "But talking to people? I don't know, sweetheart. You might be asking too much of me there."
"Hmm, well, it's up to you. I'm perfectly happy with a chaste kiss good night when you drop me off."
He growls, and I shiver at the sound. I love when his grumbling, because underneath it all is the kind, generous man I love. To some, this would be fast, but it feels right between us.
"Fine. You win. But I'm going to torture you with my mouth when this is over."
"I certainly hope so." He spins me around, pulling me into his arms on the dance floor as the music starts.
He's graceful and moves so easily, it's almost like we're floating.
There's no mistaking the surprised looks we get from other couples, mostly because nobody expected Brand to make an appearance.
But he's been forging some new friendships, especially among the people who've been part of the Maker's Market this season.
The blacksmith, Faron, gives us a quick nod from the edge of the floor.
He and Brand have become tentative friends, and their background as military veterans has given them a foundation to build on.
There's no mistaking the interested glances Faron gets from several of the single women attending, but there's a sadness I recognize in him. It was something both Brand and I shared, and like calls to like. It's probably why they get along.
"Faron actually made an appearance. That's an improvement."
"Even the stubborn ones can surprise you, love." When I look up at him, he winks. "Believe me, I know this all too well."
"Some call it stubborn. I call it persistent."
The music slows to a halt and Brand dips me down over his arm, gazing down at me. "Well, I'm glad your persistence paid off."
Happiness surges through me, and when he lifts me back up, I don't miss what he says next as he kisses my cheek. "I love you, Lydia. So very much."
I lean against him, my fingers tight on the lapels of his coat, needing the support of his body as my legs go weak for a moment.
"I love you. So, so much. More than I ever dreamed possible."
He fulfills his promise that night, leading me through the dances, making me laugh and blush with his whispered dirty words.
As we leave the crowd behind, he stops beneath the mistletoe hung over the exit. His fingers slide along my jaw, tip my face up to his.
"I'm grateful you came to my cabin that day. And I'm grateful you were too stubborn to quit."
"Really?" I tease him, quirking a brow as I ask, "Even when I was dragging you out of the woods in the most uncomfortable and incorrect way possible?"
He laughs, and it's a real laugh. That's one of the changes I love the most. When all his defenses drop and I get to see the parts of himself he hides from everyone else.
"Even then, love. I knew I was a goner at that point."
He kisses me there, not caring if anyone sees and then escorts me out of the building, into the starry night.
Snow falls around us, and he tightens his arm around me, making sure I don't slip.
And I know this is how we'll always be.
Two people meant to find each other, holding each other as we face whatever storms may come.