From This Moment

My heart sinks. “Please don’t say anything to anyone. We want to be the ones to tell Anna and Beth.”

“I won’t, but I really need to go.” Then she hesitates a moment. “Take care, Rona. I promise not to say anything.”

I sigh in relief. “Elise. Please don’t break Jake’s heart. He needs you.”

Hell, I hope she listens to me. I also hope she’s mistaken about Tom’s reaction because that has me worried.

“Was that Elise?” Jake asks, surprising me. I’m in a world of my own.

“Yes.”

He sits down next to me. Leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees, he asks, “What did you say?”

I offer a wry smile. “I asked her to not break your heart. She really loves you, Jake. Just give her a few days, okay?”

He sighs. “I hear you. C’mon, we better head back. Dad called to let me know the snowstorm is moving in, and you left your cell at home.”

“Could you give me a hand first? Please.” I ask Jake, as he starts to walk toward his truck.

He turns back. “Shit! Those all yours? Did you leave anything in the store?”

I grin at him. “Ha ha, very funny.”

The closer to home we get, the heavier the snow has become. It’s amazing to look at, especially as we start up the drive to the house. Wow! When the house comes into view, it’s beautiful. I’m so excited. I love snow.

Cade

I’m just about to pour a cup of coffee when I hear Jake’s truck stop outside. It always has a distinct shuddering noise, which is how Anna’s dogs know Jake’s at their house.

Opening the front door though, I’m surprised to find so much snow already. Out here in the mountains snow can creep up on a person, but no matter how long I’ve lived here, it always surprises me. The next thing I see is Rona jumping out of the truck, laughing and running to me as she becomes covered in snow. The conditions are nearly a white-out from falling so heavily.

God, how I love this woman.

Reaching me, she throws herself into my arms and plants a very wet, hot kiss on my lips. “I missed you and thought about you the whole time I was buying lingerie.” She gives me a wicked grin.

“Do I get a fashion show?” I ask, heading toward the truck with her to get her bags.

“Maybe,” she smirks.

As I pull her bags from the truck, Jake climbs back behind the wheel. “Where are you going?” I ask him. “This snow is getting bad.”

“I just got a call from Mack, he needs help with something. I’m heading over there.” Then he says with a grin directed at the both of us, “I’ll probably be out for dinner as well.”

“Drive safely.”

No doubt as soon as he pulls away he’ll be rolling his eyes at my comment. I always worry about him—par for the course of being a father.

Returning to the house, I can’t believe how many bags of shopping Rona has.

“Did you leave anything for anyone else?” I laugh.

“Of course, silly!” She takes her coat and boots off and leaves them on the stand by the door.

Walking over to me, she wraps herself around my waist. I bring my arms up around her shoulders, dropping my chin to the top of her head. “Are you doing okay, sweetheart?”

“Mmm, I really enjoyed coming home to you.”

I press her against me. “I enjoyed being here when you came home, and most of all I love that you feel so comfortable here with me to call it home. It will be as long as you want it to be.”