Love on the Lake (Lakeside 2)

He crosses his arms. “Okay. That makes sense.” He pokes at his cheek with his tongue. “But that’s not what I was talking about.”

“You want to know what it means for us?” My heart feels like it’s going to pound its way out of my chest.

He nods once.

“I guess it depends.”

“On?”

“What you want.” I had such a great speech planned, but now that we’re here, it’s gone poof in my head.

He drops his arms, and his mouth goes slack. “What I want? Teagan, babe, I want the same thing I’ve wanted since you showed up in Harry’s buying yellow paint.”

“And what’s that?” It’s hard to believe that was a year ago. So much has changed, except one important thing: that connection we share hasn’t diminished one bit.

“You and me. Us.”

I exhale a relieved breath, and it feels like my shoulders drop from my ears. “Okay, good. I want that too.”

“Were you seriously worried I wouldn’t?” He looks flabbergasted.

“I didn’t want to presume anything. And it’s been more than six months of me making you wait. I know it’s a long time.”

“Every time I hug you, I poke you with my business end.” He motions to his crotch. “I figured that was an awkward enough indicator I’m still very much into you.”

“Good point.” I laugh and scrub a hand over my face. “Can we try dating before we start sleeping together again this time around, though?”

“Yes. Definitely. I’m absolutely on board with that. In fact, I’d love to take you out for breakfast tomorrow morning, if you’re interested.”

“I’m interested.” I smile.

“Good. That’s good. Am I allowed to come up here after dinner and hang out with you?” he asks.

My stomach flutters. “I’d like that.”

“Me too. I’d like that a lot.” He rounds the counter and comes to stand in front of me. “So we’re going to take it slow this time, yeah?”

“I think it would be smart.”

“I can get on board with smart. What about kissing you? Can I do that?”

“Kissing me seems reasonable.”

“And do I need to wait until after our breakfast date, or is now okay?”

“Now would be more than okay,” I whisper.

Aaron’s fingers drift up my arm and slide along the edge of my jaw. I tip my head back, anticipation making my heart beat faster. He drops his head, but his lips find my temple first. “I missed you so much, babe.”

“Me too. I know it took a long time to get here.”

“You’re worth the wait.” His lips sweep across my cheek.

“I wanted you to have the best version of me.”

“I love you, Teagan.” He presses his lips to mine.

“I love you back.” I loop my arms around his neck.

“And I will love you twice as much on the days when you find it hard to love yourself.”

It’s a promise sealed with a kiss.

EPILOGUE

THIS MAGIC PLACE

Teagan

One Year Later

“I’m leaving for the market in five minutes. Do you want me to stop at the office and grab the signs for your booth on the way over?”

“That would be great. Do you need anything from your apartment?” Dillion asks.

I switch my phone to speaker so I can rummage through my purse. “I think I have all the important things I need.”

“I can always drive over there if you’re missing something essential.” Aaron crosses from the bedroom to the kitchen, where I’m currently trying to do six things with two hands.

Over the past year the Pearl Lake Farmers’ Market has turned into a job that I’m now compensated for. It runs weekly from the end of May to the end of September, and then we have a huge holiday market at the end of November. The town hired me on to help organize and run their other events throughout the year. I love it, and I’ve learned, with help from my family and Aaron, when to put the brakes on and when to delegate so I don’t get overwhelmed.

I’m still consulting for the Stitches on design projects. And in the slow seasons I take design courses. I’ve discovered a passion for both interior design and event organization. I’m learning how to balance those two things I love without letting either of them take over my life.

It’s a beautiful day for the market. The weather looks promising, and there are now a hundred vendors signed up to participate. It means we’ve had to relocate the market to the main street. It took some work and some permits, but with the help of the volunteer team I’ve put together, it’s all been very doable.

“And don’t forget we’re hosting a barbecue tonight,” Dillion reminds me.

“Super excited for that!” I end the call and glance up at Aaron, who’s standing in the doorway of the bedroom, shirtless. “Maybe I should make biscuits for the barbecue.”

He arches a brow. “Do you have a clone I don’t know about?”