Chapter Thirty-Three
Isabella stared up at the abandoned castle and, for the first time, the crumbling stones did not haunt her. The truth had set her free.
Dexter took her hand and held it firmly in his own. “It’s over.”
She turned towards him and admired the man who had saved her life in more ways than one.
She loved everything about him, from the way the cowlick on the top of his head perpetually went untamed, to the mischief that played in his chocolate eyes.
But mostly, she loved the way he protected her heart, even from herself if he needed to.
She rested her head on his broad shoulder. “This is just the beginning.”
I wiped my eyes and peeked over the Ascending Stones completed first draft to find Miles nervously pacing the floor in front of the rather large Christmas tree the kids had picked out at the tree farm last week.
Henry’s new electric train went around and around it.
My little man could spend hours watching it.
Miles, always impeccably dressed in his black sweater turtleneck and trousers, looked beautiful in the glow of the white Christmas lights and fireplace.
I couldn’t believe Isabella’s journey had come to end.
Together, she and Dexter had discovered it was his uncle who was the true killer.
He was in love, more like obsessed, with Dexter’s mother.
In a fit of rage, the uncle killed Dexter’s mother because he could never have her.
He also killed the Alexanders, who turned out to be Dexter’s grandparents.
The uncle framed Isabella’s father because he knew that he was Dexter’s mother’s one true love.
Dexter’s father was honorable, like his son, and had married Dexter’s mother to protect her from his evil twin.
Miles had done an amazing job with all the twists and turns.
I was guessing until the end who did it.
I tried to savor each word because I didn’t want it to end, not only because the writing was amazing, but because I owed so much to Isabella.
Because of her, I learned to forgive myself and was willing to take a chance on love again.
And who better to take that chance with than Isabella’s creator?
I know Miles said that Isabella came to him, but I think she always lived inside of him.
She was the part of him who yearned to break free from his family’s shame. A shame that was never his to bear.
“I’m finished,” I informed Miles.
He immediately stopped his pacing and raced to my side on the couch. “Well?” He was as eager as a child on Christmas morning.
I placed my hands on his stubbled cheeks and kissed him once. “It’s brilliant. I have a new favorite book.”
His hands cupped my face. “Are you in earnest, darling?”
“I would never lie to you.”
“It is one of the many reasons I love you.”
“I love you, too. Should we go and get the kids? I’m sure my mom has them in a sugar coma by now and it’s almost Henry’s bedtime.
I don’t want him to be grouchy tomorrow.
” The kids had spent the day with my parents making Christmas cookies and shopping, giving me the day to read.
Miles wanted my opinion before he sent the completed manuscript to his editor.
Miles nuzzled my neck, making me rethink picking up the kids right at that moment. “There has been a change of plans. The children are spending the night with your parents.”
I tipped my head back, so he didn’t miss any spots on my neck. “What will we do with our time alone?” My tone suggested what his answer should be.
“I’m glad you asked. I have some research I need you to help me with.”
That was not what my tone indicated. I leaned back with a crinkled brow. He had to be joking. “You just finished the book and we’ve hardly seen each other because you’ve been so busy writing.”
“I know, my love, but I feel like it needs an epilogue and I need your help.”
“It’s perfect the way it is.” I pulled him to me. My lips played above his, begging to be kissed.
“You are tempting, darling, but this is important.” He pushed off the couch and stood.
I stared up at him in shock. He was serious.
He held out his hand to me. “I promise I will make it up to you.” A bemused smile played on his lips.
I placed my hand and my trust in his. “Okay. Where are we going so late?”
“The Ranch, so dress warmly.”
I still couldn’t believe we were spending our first night alone in the last few weeks doing book research—for a book that was done, mind you.
But there was something cozy about being bundled up in the car listening to Christmas music and staring at my handsome boyfriend.
Boyfriend was weird for me to say. I mean, I was a mother of an almost teen, and Miles was forty.
Boyfriend seemed juvenile and didn’t adequately describe what I felt Miles and I shared.
Our connection ran so deep that at times we spoke each other’s thoughts before either one of us could express them.
“You’re still planning on speaking at career day next week, right?
” Chloe had asked him instead of me, because let’s be honest, his job was way cooler than mine.
Though the perks of mine were hard to beat.
Cute kid that adored me and a dashing boss whose kisses made not only my toes curl but my entire body zing.
Miles reached over and rested his hand on my thigh. “I’ll be there. My publisher is having some books from their middle grade line shipped for the occasion.”
“Chloe will be excited about that.”
“Have yours and Chloe’s passports arrived yet?”
“Did I forget to tell you? They came yesterday. I can’t believe we will be spending Christmas in London.”
Miles caressed my thigh. “I’m anxious to return and to have you and Chloe with Henry and me. Oscar and Molly have requested we spend Christmas day with them.”
“I would love that. What about Penelope?” I hesitated to ask. Last time I saw her was after Miles and I decided to give this a go. She threw a better temper tantrum than Henry and flew out the door saying it would never last. I was going to do my best to prove her wrong.
Miles cleared his throat. “She will conveniently be on holiday in Rome.”
That was music to my ears. “What a shame.”
Miles laughed. “You will not go entirely unscathed. My father and my siblings are hoping to meet you.” Miles tried to keep the edge out of his tone.
I rubbed Miles’s hand. “I would be happy to meet any of your family.”
“You say that now, darling. You may rethink our entire relationship after you meet the motley crew.”
I took Miles’s hand between my own. “I’m sorry, but you’re stuck with me. We signed a contract remember?”
He glanced over at me. “That I do, my love.”
“So, what are your plans for the epilogue?”
“You’ll see.” He wagged his brows.
“Why so mysterious?”
“I’m just trying to keep the magic alive in our relationship.”
I laughed at him, but magical was a good way to describe what we had together.
It was by no means perfect. Miles was set in his ways and he was still adjusting to not only dad life, but being a partner.
For the most part he was amazing, and he tried his best to be present, but it didn’t come naturally for him, and more than anything, I think that frustrated him more than it ever frustrated me.
Sometimes it was hard for me too. Especially letting Chloe grow up.
Miles was less cautious by nature and he had to remind me at times to let go of the reins I had held so tightly.
Of course, that made Miles Chloe’s favorite.
It gave me holy envy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was happy Chloe had a Miles in her life. Every girl deserved one.
When we pulled into the Ranch in front of the main house, it looked as if we were late to a party we hadn’t been invited to.
I recognized Shelby and Ryder’s truck, and Jenna and Brad’s minivan—they were really embracing parenthood.
We tried to talk Jenna out of it, but she loved the roominess.
Bobby Jay’s truck towered above them all.
I assumed that meant that Emma and Sawyer were probably around too.
I wasn’t sure if I should feel slighted or not.
“I’ll get your door,” Miles interrupted me before I could decide if I wanted to get out. He hustled around and opened my door. He took a moment to peer into my eyes. “Aspen, I do love you.”
I tilted my head. “Is there something I should know about? Are you all right?” He was acting awfully strange.
“Everything is perfect. You’re perfect.” He leaned in and brushed my hair back before kissing my forehead.
He lingered for a moment before trailing soft kisses down my cheek.
With each touch, my pulse ticked up. His lips teased my own, skimming them, taking small tastes here and there until they came crashing down on mine.
His tongue invited my lips to part. As always, my lips immediately accepted his invitation.
My hands ran through his hair. He pushed me farther back in the car while thoroughly exploring my mouth.
I liked this research trip. But I loved him and how he made me feel.
His kisses made me know I was wanted and adored.
He groaned against my mouth. “As lovely as this is, we have some research we should really get to.”
He stood upright and pulled me along with him.
“Where are we going in the dark?”
“You’ll see.” He buttoned up my coat and wrapped a scarf around my neck. “Are you warm enough, darling?”
I took his hand and leaned into him. “Always, when I’m with you.”
He kissed my head and we took a trail leading away from the main house.
I pushed out any jealous thoughts of being excluded and tried to focus on being in the moment with Miles.
While the path was clear, snow covered most of the ground.
The glow of the moon made it glisten in the dark.
It was like walking in a winter wonderland.
Miles was quiet but attentive, making sure to keep me steady on the gravel path.
Several times he looked down at me with an adoring gaze.
It didn’t take long for me to realize we were heading for the amphitheater.
Something was off, though. If I wasn’t mistaken, I saw a shimmer of light in the distance.
I didn’t remember there ever being any lighting in the amphitheater.
The closer we got, the tighter Miles held me to him.
Just as we were on the cusp of our destination the source of light came into view. The pergola was lit up in hundreds of twinkle lights. Pink rose petals covered the snow-covered ground beneath it. I stopped and placed my hand over my mouth. “What is this?”
Miles placed his gloved hand on my cheek. “This is how Dexter’s and Isabella’s story ends and ours begins, I hope.” He led me to the pergola.
I paused on the outer edge. This was hallowed ground.
Ground I never thought I would step foot on.
Miles recognized my hesitation. He removed his gloves and placed them in his coat pocket before cupping my cheeks with his warm hands.
“My love, finish this walk with me. Let us say goodbye to our past demons here and now.”
Hot tears leaked down my cheeks and fell on his reassuring hands. I nodded and let him lead me the rest of the way. There we stood together under the pergola. The twinkle lights made it feel as if we had entered a fairy land.
Miles bent on one knee and took me by the hand.
“Aspen, the truth is that you are like a dream come to life. In every second we share together, you captivate me and scare the bloody hell out of me all at once. I know I will never be the man you deserve.” He used the same beautiful words from the first time he kissed me.
“Despite how unworthy I am of you, I would like to propose a new contract, even more binding than the last one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an enchanting filigree ring that sparkled under the lights.
He held the beautiful ring between his finger and thumb before offering it to me.
“Please do me the honor of agreeing to be not only my wife, but mother to my nephew. I, in return, will promise to be your faithful husband and loving father to Chloe and Henry.”
I was so choked up I could hardly utter, “Yes. Yes. Yes, to all of it.”
He placed the ring on my finger before standing up and kissing me gently.
His tenderness bled through my lips. “I love you, Aspen,” he whispered against my mouth, this time as if it was a secret he no longer wished to keep to himself.
“Shall we go celebrate with our children and your family and friends? They are all waiting for us in the main house.”
I kissed his lips. “I think I would like to privately celebrate for a little bit longer.”
“I am happy to accommodate you,” he groaned.
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