Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Oh, God, it hurt. It hurt so badly.
Screw closure . No, seriously, it would’ve been better to never see him again than to relive her elopement day.
She knew he was a product of his upbringing. She’d come to terms with the fact that his happiness came last. What did she think would happen?
No, really, what did you think would happen?
Which line shouldn’t she have crossed? Was it that first kiss? No, the northern lights. She should’ve ignored his texts. If she’d stayed in her hotel room that night, they wouldn’t have made love, and she wouldn’t have believed they had a chance.
She wished she hadn’t let him touch her, kiss her, devour her. It wasn’t fair to have something so good ripped away.
Twice .
But she wasn’t going to wallow. She’d done enough of that thirty years ago. She was going to be present for her niece’s wedding.
She sat alone in the first pew of her resort’s cozy chapel. She’d built it to give her guests a quiet, reverent space and to host the occasional wedding. Moonlight slanted through the stained-glass windows and dozens of white votive candles flickered on the altar. At the end of each row, a spray of gardenias offered a romantic scent.
She hadn’t told Amber or Bri about the change in plans. To do so would require turning on her phone. And sorry, but she didn’t want to see Trevor’s pleas or excuses or anything he’d say to justify his choices.
There’s nothing new there .
Contractually, he was obligated to reshoot scenes from his movie. Sure, she got it. But he could’ve put his foot down. He could’ve told them they were being unreasonable.
He could’ve put us first. But he just wasn’t wired that way.
Forget him.
She’d made the right choice in sitting this one out. They wouldn’t have to address it or try to make her feel better. She knew she was important to them. She knew they loved her.
She just wasn’t the mother. She was the aunt.
Trust me, I get it.
Even more importantly, she didn’t want any other thought in the guests’ minds than, The bride’s absolutely radiant.
The wedding planner, Stella Cavanaugh—one of the first business owners Jessica had contacted in the hopes of booking weddings and honeymoons in her resort—hustled down the aisle toward her. “Hey, hon. We’re about ready to get started.”
Jess had expected this. She’d prepared her response. “You know, this is a special moment between a mother and a daughter.” She kept her demeanor pleasant. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, so I’m going to let them have their time together.”
Stella let out a breath and sat down beside her. “Uncle Charlie got to you, huh?”
Jess was horrified that the old man had discussed it publicly.
The wedding planner picked up her embarrassment because she set a hand on Jess’s arm. “He brought it up at the rehearsal, and I promise you, everyone thought he was being ridiculous. I’m guessing, since he got no traction, he reached out to you privately?”
“He did, and that’s exactly why I’m going to step back. He’s planted a seed in people’s minds, and I don’t want anything to ruin Bri’s day. Let’s just keep it traditional.”
“Bri put a lot of thought into every aspect of this wedding. You know what I mean? She planned it out carefully. If she wanted traditional, that’s what she’d have done.”
Fair point. “I hear you, but let’s not make it a big deal. Let her mom walk her down the aisle, and let me sit here and watch. Okay?”
Stella gave a reluctant nod. Then, she squeezed Jess’s arm and got up. “All right, then. It’s go-time.”
A few moments later, the seats filled up around her. Excitement shimmered in the air. Jess tried with all her might to stay just above the pain level. But she couldn’t do it. She just couldn’t. Sorrow rushed in, bowling over everything in its path.
She’d long ago accepted living a solo life. She loved her family—loved her role in her family. Nothing made her happier than seeing her sisters, nieces, and nephews live their best lives.
And I’m living mine.
If she hadn’t had two and a half days with Trevor Montgomery, she’d be fine.
But she’d had that time with him. She’d basked in his adoration. Her body sang at his touch.
With her whole heart, she believed he loved her.
He just couldn’t undo the programming he’d learned as a child.
And that was nothing she could fix.
But one thing was true. She could say it to herself, even if she couldn’t tell him.
I love him.
I love him with everything I am.
And maybe one day, he’d get his shit together.
See that? There was still hope.
A murmur rippled through the congregation. Clothing swished as people turned in their seats, and people started whispering.
“Brianna, would you stop?” Kelly asked in a harsh whisper. “No one’s supposed to see you yet.”
Jess turned around in her seat. Her niece hustled down the aisle in all her bridal regalia. She thrust her bouquet at her other aunt and stared at Jessica wild-eyed. “Did I not plan every detail of this damn wedding?”
“You did.” Jess glanced around to find everyone staring at them.
“More importantly, how is this a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment if you’re not in it?”
“Bri, the point was to not cause a scene.” Her eyes widened as if to say, Like you’re doing right now.
“I invited seventy-three people. They are the only people in the world who matter to me. They get me. Do you think they don’t understand what you mean to me?”
Oh . Jess jerked upright. Tears stung the backs of her eyes, and pride infused her.
“She has a point, Mom ,” Kelly said.
“Shut up.” Jess burst out laughing. “I’m not your mom. And again, I was trying to not make a scene.”
“Well…big fail,” Bri said. “Now, can you please get your ass up and walk me down the aisle? You might not have given birth to me, but you’re every bit as much my momma as my mom.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” Jess didn’t even try to hide her smile as she got up and made her way to the vestibule. The entire congregation broke out in applause. “Oh, stop.” But she was laughing.
“I can’t believe you did that,” Bri said to Jessica as she snatched the bouquet out of Kelly’s hands. “I love you.”
Jessica pulled her niece into her arms. “I love you too. I only ever want what’s best for you.”
“And I told you what’s best for me.” Bri clung to her. “Now, are we ready? I want to fast-forward to my Coco’s Chocolates’ cake. I’m going to drop my face in it.”
“No kidding,” Amber said. “It’s all I can think about.”
But Jess was holding tightly to the woman who was truly a daughter to her. “I love you, sweet pea. And I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
Bri pulled away, eyes glazed with tears. “You know my first memory? It was dark. I was cold. I heard scary noises. And I remember I didn’t say a single word. I didn’t cry. I didn’t call out. You want to know why?”
“Why?” Jess blinked back tears.
“Because I knew you’d come. It wasn’t a hope or a wish. It was the absolute knowledge that my Yessy would come get me. And you know what? You did. You came right into my room and picked me up. You held me in your arms, and I knew I was safe. The only thing I remember is the certainty that you’d be there for me. That you’d never leave my side. And you haven’t. You’re my other momma, and you’re walking me down the aisle.”
Jess swallowed against the painful knot in her throat. “Okay, then. Let’s do it. Let’s get you married.”
As they turned toward the chapel, Stella spoke quietly into her microphone. A moment later, the musicians began playing Brian Crain’s “Butterfly Waltz,” and the three women hooked arms and started walking down the aisle. All the congregants stood, their familiar faces beaming joy, and Jess smiled and nodded at everyone.
This is my family. My people. My community.
A quick thought about Trevor stabbed her heart, but no. She wouldn’t let herself go there right now. Not on this beautiful, happy day.
That was for later tonight. When she was alone in bed, feet hurting from dancing, eyes red from crying after sending Bri and her husband off on their honeymoon, she’d let herself feel the loss. She’d remind herself the past few days were good, that she’d gotten the closure she’d needed. That he was a good man….
He just couldn’t be her man.
Up ahead, the groom dipped his chin, discreetly wiping away a stray tear, but there was no hiding his overwhelm at seeing the love of his life walking toward him.
As they reached the altar, Bri hugged both Jess and Amber, handed her bouquet to her mom, and then stepped into her groom’s arms. They clung to each other for several long moments as the two women took their seats.
Jess clasped her sister’s hand, and when they looked at each other, it was with a shared understanding. Bri had been through a lot in her life, and to know she’d found true love brought a profound sense of joy.
And if there was a hint of sorrow attached for Jess, it was only because she’d experienced a glimpse of bliss with her first love.
Just as the couple pulled apart to face the officiant, a murmur rippled across the chapel. A charged energy had everyone shifting in their seats for a second time.
“Is that Trevor Montgomery?” someone whispered.
Jess’s heart thundered. Her hands went clammy. Her pulse fluttered wildly in her throat.
“What’s he doing here?” someone asked.
“Oh, my God,” the person behind her shouted.
Is he really here?
Did Trevor come to the wedding?
She didn’t even turn around. She couldn’t face the disappointment of it not being him.
“I thought you said he had to go to Scotland?” Amber whispered in a tone of disbelief.
She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t even nod. With her breath trapped in her lungs, she went lightheaded.
Finally, she glanced over her shoulder.
That gorgeous, tall, muscular man striding down the aisle had his gaze fixed on her, intention so clear in his eyes, he might’ve been a predator. And, oh boy, would this hunter catch his prey. There wasn’t a shred of doubt in him.
He came right up to her, forced himself onto a tightly packed pew, and reached for her hand. “I apologize for being late,” he said to the officiant. “Please, go on.”
The groom gawked, and the bride gave a comical thumbs-up gesture to Jess.
Jess was so flustered she could only flick her hands. Go. Carry on . She didn’t want the attention on them.
But at the same time…
Oh, my God. He’s here. He came.
When all the attention returned to the ceremony, she whispered, “Aren’t you supposed to be in Scotland?”
“What did I tell you?” But he didn’t even give her a moment to answer. “I said I’m never going to leave your side again. I’m going to be here no matter what—which you would’ve found out if you’d waited for the next sentence to come out of my mouth.”
“You said they had until the end of the year. That’s a week away.”
“That’s right. I’m in breach of contract if I don’t reshoot scenes by then, but it doesn’t stipulate where they film.”
“What’re you saying? Are you making the entire cast and crew come to Calamity ?”
“Snowy terrain can be shot anywhere. Besides, you said your event hasn’t sold out.”
She wanted to burst out laughing, but she held it in. She wanted to straddle his lap and kiss him senseless. Instead, she gave him a prim answer. “It hasn’t.”
“Well, there you go. Now, it has. Two birds, one stone. And with celebrities in attendance, you should get the publicity you need to put this place on the map.”
She couldn’t believe it. It was too much. It was amazing and beautiful and perfect. “You’ll be thanked appropriately for this later.” She brought their joined hands to her lap.
“We’re good?” he asked.
She could only nod. They’d talk later.
Because in that moment, she had no words. She wanted to stay in this bubble of happiness forever.
She kissed his cheek, inhaling his masculine, clean scent, and rested her head on his shoulder.
And then, she whispered, “I love you.”
He tipped her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “What was that?”
“I said I love you.”
He shook his head, cupping an ear. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get that.”
She pressed her lips to his cheek in a lingering kiss. “I love you with all my heart.”
Trevor didn’t know much about living in the moment.
That ended when he’d lost Elzy. From then on, he’d held on to his past and thought only about stitching it to his future. He’d never let go of his drive to find her again.
And now that he had her, he wanted to leap over this wedding and the New Year’s Eve gala and land in their ranch house, sitting close together on the couch, her wedding ring catching the light from a roaring fire.
But hey, he was on the dance floor of a swanky resort, holding her in his arms as they swayed to a ballad from a country rock band. Life didn’t get much better than this.
For the first time in years, he was content to live in the moment.
“You did an outstanding job with this place.” He didn’t want to shout over the music, so he spoke into her ear. Bonus: he got to brush against her soft cheek and breathe in her lovely scent.
“I’m proud of it.”
He’d traveled a lot, stayed in some fine places, but the Sweetwater Spa and Resort was special. It was quiet, peaceful, and luxurious. And the service was top-notch. The staff seemed to anticipate the needs of each guest.
They’d turned the banquet room into a Christmas festival. Dinner tables circled the dance floor, and tiny white lights rained down from the ceiling.
“Looks like karma came for me, didn’t it?” he asked.
She pulled away to look into his eyes. “What do you mean?”
“At the airport, it was my turn to watch you walk out of my life. My attorney tried to convince me everything was riding on this reshoot. He said they’d sue me for everything I’m worth if I didn’t fly to Scotland before the end of the year. But I wasn’t going to let anything come between us, so I?—”
“You’re not putting your savings at risk, are you?”
“It didn’t come to that, but I sure as hell would have. Believe me, I’ve got my priorities straight. Besides, you know what I learned? Money comes and it goes. If I lost everything tomorrow, I could earn it all back.”
“We’d do it together.”
Which is what she’d said all along. “Exactly.” He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “I don’t care what we’re doing or where I am. As long as I’m with you, I’m right where I want to be.”
“Thank God for that. The idea of going another day without you…” She shook her head, a haunted look in her eyes. “I can’t do it again. I just can’t.” Her fingers curled in his jacket, and she pressed closer.
He caressed her cheek with a thumb. “Never going to happen.”
“I’ve never told this to anybody before, but…” She clutched his lapels now, gazing into his eyes with an earnestness, an urgency that had him wishing they were alone. “I never stopped thinking about you, missing you. Sometimes, I’d be on a job—walking along the beach or waiting for a meeting to start—or with my family—a birthday party, a graduation—and I would feel this…this hole in me. I thought it was loneliness, but that didn’t explain why I always sensed your presence in that moment. I can’t explain how the two were tied together.”
“You don’t have to. I know exactly what you mean. I felt it, too.”
“You did?”
“Oh, yeah. That’s why I knew you were inside me, part of me. It’s why I was sure we’d find our way back to each other.”
“It doesn’t make sense, this connection. This bond. But it’s real. Trevor Montgomery, you are my soulmate, and I love you with everything I am.”
“ Yes .” Warmth spread through him, and he wanted to carry her out of this room and take her to his suite. He wanted her all to himself.
But of course, it was her niece’s wedding, and they had to stay until the very end.
“I’m sorry I overreacted at the airport. But honestly, it was less about you than reading the pity gesture comment. I’m so used to being the third wheel, the best friend, the aunt…I’m the guest at everyone else’s big life events. So, when I read it, it just…” She sighed. “It’s an old wound.”
“Yeah, well, fuck the rest of the world. You’re my sun, and the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do is orbit around you. When you travel, I’ll carry your suitcase. If you need to get up extra early for a meeting, I’ll bring you coffee in bed.” With a heart full of love, he smiled at her. “All I want is to be with you.”
Finally, after they’d devoured the cake and sent the married couple off on their honeymoon, Trevor brought Elzy to his room.
“You know I have my own place here, right?” She seemed confused. “It’s got a fridge and everything. Like, you know, my slippers and sweatpants.”
He laughed but didn’t want to give away too much. “We’ll get those heels off, no worries there. Let me change out of my tux first.”
“Good point.”
Hand in hand, they walked down the hallway. The black textured wallpaper bordered with bronze scrollwork and the sconces with black lampshades lent an air of elegance. “This might be the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.”
“That was the plan. I took my time with this one.”
He opened the door to find the room service cart waiting in the foyer of his suite.
“What’s this?” She lifted the silver dome. “Cookies?” In the carafe, she found hot chocolate. “Did you order this?”
He nodded, really damn pleased with the sparkle in her eyes.
“Did you know we deliver cookies and milk to every room with kids?” she asked.
“No, I didn’t. But that’s adorable.”
“So, wait. You did this for me ?”
She seemed so touched that he planted a kiss on her mouth. The roar of desire threatened to sweep him away, but he had a plan for tonight and touching her would have to wait.
She took a bite of a cookie. “Mm. They’re still warm, and the chocolate chips are melted. Yummy.”
He gasped. “Did you just eat Santa’s cookie? Dammit, Elzy. Now, we’re not getting any presents.”
“Oh, believe me. I got the only present I’ve ever wanted.”
“Which is…” He playfully touched his fingertips to his chest. “Me?”
She laughed. “Yes, you.”
“Damn right.” Taking her hand, he led her into the living room of his suite.
She came to a hard stop when she took in the Christmas tree and the string of white lights glinting off the silver, gold, and red decorations. “Did you do this?”
“It was a team effort. I chartered a jet, so I actually landed before you, but I had to get things set up. You can thank your concierge for providing me with the supplies.”
She noticed the presents surrounding the base of the tree. “What is all this?”
“I did some shopping in Iceland.”
She glanced at him. “Oh. So, this is for your grandkids?”
“No, sweetheart. It’s all for you.” He picked up a gift, sloppily wrapped. “Sorry, it’s messy. I had to dress and get to the chapel. That’s why I was a little late.”
“You think I care how it’s wrapped? I can’t believe you did this.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You made the magic for me . Thank you.”
“Sweetheart, you are the magic.” He pulled away. “Now, come on. Let’s change and open some presents.”
“I don’t have any clothes here.”
“Huh. Let’s see if we can find you something.” He searched for the rectangular box. “Here. Open this while I get out of this suit.” He started into the closet when she crooked a finger.
“Strip right here. I’ll never get tired of looking at your body.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot.” He ducked when she threw her high heel at him. “Just open the present.” He untied his dress shoes and kicked them off. Before joining her by the tree, he wheeled the room service table over. Beside the carafe of Coco’s Hot Chocolate sat a crystal bowl of homemade marshmallows.
“You did all this for me. I can’t believe it.”
“Yeah, well, get used to it. This is your life now.” He tipped his chin to the gift. “Go on.”
She pulled off her other heel and gave him her back. “First, unzip me.”
He did as she asked and then helped her peel it off her banging body.
In her bra and panties, she tore off the paper and pulled off the top of the box. “Are you serious?” She held up the flannel pajamas with a puffin design. “I wanted these so badly.” Her smile lit up the room. “I had no idea you got them for me.”
After unbuckling his belt, he hung his slacks on a hanger. “Yep. And next Christmas, we’ll get onesies for everyone in our families.”
She laughed as she stepped into the bottoms and pulled the top over her head. “These are so comfy.”
His suitcase of clothes was still in Iceland and wouldn’t be shipped until after the holidays, so he only had the pajama bottoms and Henley he’d bought that night in Reykjavik. He slipped those on before handing her another box. “This one next.”
Her eyes lit up in pure delight when she saw the suede and shearling slippers. “You did not.” He’d just sat down beside her, so when she lunged at him, she tackled him onto his back. “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I don’t have anything for you.”
“You still don’t get it. You’re all I want. Elzy, with you, I have everything.”
“It’s perfect.” Amber stood beside her in the dining room as they watched their guests enjoy a fabulous New Year’s Eve dinner.
“It really is.”
“I love you, Jess.” Out of nowhere, her sister hugged her. “You’re the best person I know.”
Startled, she held her close. “Where did that come from?”
Amber pulled away, cheeks flushed with emotion. “Seeing you so happy with Trevor… It’s just…I’m the reason you guys broke up, and it makes me feel so much better knowing you found your way back together.”
“What? That’s not true at all.”
“And that’s why I never brought it up. Because I knew you’d say that. But you would’ve gone to Scotland with him if I hadn’t gotten pregnant, and as unfair as it was to you, I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come home. I didn’t appreciate your sacrifice until Bri went to kindergarten, and I heard stories from other single moms. Up until then, I took you for granted. Of course, you’d watch my baby while I was in school. Of course, you’d give up your entire life to make sure I had the best future possible.”
“I have no regrets about that. Not one. If I hadn’t come home, we wouldn’t be the strong family we are today.”
“I agree, and that’s why I love and admire you so much. You showed me through your actions what family meant. I learned my values and priorities from you.” She teared up. “It could’ve turned out very differently for me. I’m just so damn lucky to have you as my sister.”
A fierce sense of love came over her. “It couldn’t have turned out any other way. There was no other choice but for me to come home. But even if I hadn’t, you’d have figured it out. That’s the woman you are. Once you held Bri in your arms, you got it. You truly became a mom. You did it yourself.”
“All right, ladies,” Lars said as he approached. “I don’t know why you’re crying in the middle of the most expensive dinner some of our guests have ever had, but it’s not a good look.”
They both burst out laughing and fell into each other’s arms. “I love you,” Amber said.
“I love you more.”
And then Lars grinned and shook his head. “Okay, now, you’re really drawing attention to yourselves. Come on. It’s time to get into our swimsuits.”
The sisters pulled apart. “Hang on,” Amber said. “I’m part owner of this place. I organize the events. I don’t actually have to do the polar plunge, right?”
Trevor joined them. “Oh, hell yes.” He wrapped his arms around Jess’s waist and pulled her against his chest. “We lead by example.”
“Cool. Are you going to wear a kilt?” Amber teased.
“Nope. I’ve met my obligations, and now, I’m a free man.” Trevor reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m retiring it.”
The four of them headed out of the dining room. “You should send it to the Smithsonian,” Lars said.
“Actually, he’s opening a museum in Scotland,” Jessica said. “The next-generation movies aren’t getting the same interest as the original, and Trevor talked to some of the local business owners about keeping the town a tourist attraction.”
At the juncture of hallways where they’d go off in different directions, Jess said, “See you in the hot tub.”
“Or not—” Amber called in a singsong voice over her shoulder.
“What was that about?” Jess asked Trevor.
“We’re not going to do the communal thing.” He tugged her toward their suite. “We have other plans.”
“Excuse me? I’m not missing the fireworks. The team I hired used to do them for the Magic Kingdom.”
He chuckled. “You won’t miss anything.”
“Trevor Montgomery, are you going to spoil me even more?”
“You better get used to it. I have a lot to make up for.”
She stopped him. Cupping his cheeks, she looked deeply into his eyes. “No, you don’t. I don’t need presents or special treats or…or trips. Listen to me when I say I only need you. Us .”
He pulled her closer. “Elz, I spent most of my life thinking something was wrong with me because I didn’t have a passion for a job or a career—or even a hobby—when the whole time, I knew I did. I knew what it was, but it wasn’t acceptable. Because my passion is you. And I’m finally happy because I’m doing exactly what I want. And that’s being with you. So, are you going to let me spoil you for the rest of your life?”
“Well, I mean, if it makes you happy, then who am I to complain?” she teased.
They all held hands—the sisters, their husbands, Jess and Trevor—as they ran into the lake. Everyone was laughing and shrieking, but thanks to the hot springs, the temperature wasn’t terrible.
It was actually refreshing, and it woke Jessica up after a heavy and delicious meal. She had goosebumps on her arms, and her toes sank into the muddy lake bottom, but she was perfectly and completely content.
She wanted to hold on to his moment forever. This resort was the jewel in her treasure box of life achievements, she had her family safe and happy around her…
And she had the love of her life, her soulmate.
Her Wild Bill.
Trevor came up behind her and enfolded her in his arms. “You all right?”
“I couldn’t be better. I really couldn’t.”
He rubbed her arms. “Come on. Let’s warm up.” Leaving the others behind, they headed to the cabanas, where staff waited with warmed, oversized towels. He draped one around her shoulders and wrapped the other around his waist.
Instead of joining the others in the communal tubs, he led her dripping wet through the hallway to their suite.
“Where are we going?” She’d missed this sense of fun and adventure with him so much.
Their suite had a private deck with a spectacular view of the lake. Only, he’d transformed it with fairy lights and flickering candles. A bottle of champagne chilled in a silver bucket, and two flutes sat on a tray alongside chocolate-covered strawberries.
“When did you do this?” she asked since he’d been by her side all night.
“Before dinner.”
“But we came back to the room to get into our swimsuits?”
“And housekeeping lit the candles and plugged in the lights after we left. Now, come on.
The fireworks are about to start.”
While she settled into the hot, bubbling water, he poured the champagne. Once he sat down beside her, he lifted her onto his lap. She rested her head against his shoulder and watched as the first rocket launched. She’d gone over the show tirelessly with the designers, so she knew just what to expect. She’d seen the diagrams and the schematics.
But nothing could have prepared her for the dazzling display of color and glittering lights, the pop and bang, and the familiar whistle that accompanied the shower of sparks that burned out on the icy lake.
From the communal area, she could hear the oohs and aahs, and it made her so happy to provide this experience for her guests. “It’s magnificent.”
Trevor kissed her cheek. “ You are.”
The rough press of his lips let her know he was experiencing this same surge of emotion. This bond between them, this sense of…completeness made her at once giddy and at peace. She squeezed his forearms where they belted around her.
During the finale, one of his arms left her waist, but she was too mesmerized to see what he was doing. The moment it ended, with red-and-gold sparks still glittering in the sky, he lifted her hand and slid a sparkling diamond ring onto her finger. It was rose gold and came in three separate pieces. Altogether, it looked regal. Fit for a queen.
She jerked up. “This is stunning. Where did you get this?” This wasn’t the kind of engagement ring sold at just any jeweler. It was too unique.
“I found it in Iceland. In that jewelry store.”
She eyed him skeptically. “You bought me an engagement ring on our first night alone together in thirty years?”
“Yes. Is that weird?” He fought a grin.
She laughed. “Not at all. If I’d seen this, I would’ve bought it too. It’s magnificent.”
But he’d gone serious, his gaze intense. “I love you, Elz. I love everything about you. Will you marry me?”
“Again?”
He grinned. “This time, it’s forever.”
“In my heart, I honestly don’t think I ever stopped being married to you, but, yes, Trevor, I’ll marry you. Forever, this time.”