“Yes, it is. But I’m so excited about where we are going, Evan.”
I winked at her. “So am I.”
She was quiet as she watched the scenery pass by. I hit the highway, pleased at how empty the roads were. I picked up speed, handed her my phone, and patted her leg. “Pick some music, Holly. And the route. If there is any place you want to stop, name it.”
“Really?” she asked, taking my phone, her eyes excited. She had told me about the many trips she had taken with her parents. An added piece of luggage in the back seat, relegated to observer, not really part of the event or the planning. I didn’t want this trip to be like that for her.
“The storm isn’t going to hit for a few days. We have time to do some exploring if you want.”
She leaned over and kissed my cheek, her lips warm on my skin. “Thank you.”
She scrolled through my playlists, pursing her lips. “Well, thank goodness. No rap.”
I felt a smile tug on my lips. “You don’t like rap, Holly?”
She shook her head. “It makes me ragey. Probably not good for a car trip.”
I laughed out loud, unable to imagine her “ragey.” “Probably not,” I agreed. “Best stick to a differ
ent genre.”
“You know what goes well with road trips?” she asked, glancing at me.
“What?” I’d give her anything.
She pointed at the sign we were passing. “Coffee and donuts.”
I hit the indicator and slowed down. “Your wish is my command.”
She smiled—so wide and bright, it was a wonder to witness. “I’m going to like this road trip.”
That was my plan.
Holly
Evan slowly drove up to the house, putting the SUV in park and turning to look at me. I stared at the place, awed and excited. The huge house sat on a plot of land that was astounding in its scope. Though it was snow-covered and icy, I could still see the beauty the winter hid. Mature trees and bushes surrounded a large log home. The ocean sparkled in the background. Two stories, with a huge wraparound porch and tons of windows, the house looked as if it belonged in that spot.
I turned to Evan, who was watching me with excited eyes. “Evan, it’s beautiful!”
He smiled and lifted my hand to his mouth. “Yes, it is.”
Except he wasn’t looking at the house—he was looking at me. I felt my cheeks grow warm, and I wondered if I would ever get used to his affection.
The drive from Ontario had been so different from the ones I used to take with my parents. It was always their trip, their adventure, and I was simply present. This time, Evan made sure I saw anything I wanted. Teasingly, he told me I was in charge of the route and the radio. We strolled around little towns, spent the night in Montreal, planned another trip for when we had more time, to Quebec City. He kept his eye on the weather, but we were lucky and stayed ahead of any storm that might have stalled our journey, although he admitted, even though he was anxious to get me to Nova Scotia, he wouldn’t have minded spending more time trapped in a hotel with me.
Chester proved to be a great traveler, sleeping in his kennel, sitting on my lap, watching the scenery go by, curious but calm.
Now he was sleeping in his kennel, not at all concerned the car had stopped—a seasoned traveler.
“I can’t wait to see inside,” I admitted. “I’m already in love with the place.”
Evan grinned, kissing my hand again. “Okay.”
I slid from the SUV, stretching to relieve my tight muscles. Evan opened the back door, lifting Chester out, and stood beside me. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and pressed a kiss to my head. He drew in a deep breath and smiled.
“Welcome home, Holly.”
My heart stuttered with his words, but I felt only a sense of rightness. Being with Evan felt like home, and the house in front of us was going to be my sanctuary—the same way it was for him. There was no doubt about it. I returned his smile with one of my own.