His Secret Temptation

“Are you kidding? Ever since I saw your face light up in that house, I knew that’s where I wanted us to begin our life together.”

At his words her heart expanded, threatening to leave her lungs no room to draw in air. All her dreams were coming true.

“Are you sure about this? Marriage, house, moving to Savannah? This is what your mother wanted for you, but are you certain it’s what you want?”

“I love you, Caroline. I want to live in that house on Charlton, raise children with you and grow old together.

“I want that too.”

He drew his knuckles down her cheek, his eyes brimming with tenderness. “For years my mom’s been telling me I would meet a girl that would turn my world upside down. And boy was she right.”

As Simon drew Caroline close for another kiss, a very smug voice spoke from the doorway.

“Of course I was right.”

Caroline turned and spied Elizabeth standing just inside the room. Behind her, Hannah, Sarah, Charles and Dane waited in the hall, their faces reflecting various degrees of amusement and anticipation.

“Did she say yes?” Dane questioned.

Simon grinned down at her. “Of course she did.”

Rising to her feet, Caroline crossed the room with Simon on her heels. “I’m really sorry about yesterday,” she told them, glad to have Simon’s supportive presence behind her. “I should never have spoken up the way I did.”

“I’m glad you said something,” Elizabeth said, shooting her family a warning frown. “I can’t believe how much they were keeping from me. That stops now.”

“Then this is probably a good time to mention that I decided to resign from the Navy and move back to Savannah,” Dane said.

As his statement caused the family to erupt, Simon put his arms around Caroline. She felt his chin resting on the top of her head. Together they watched Dane explain the how, when and whys of his decision. She relaxed in his embrace, delighted to have the focus off her.

“I thought I’d start my own practice,” Dane said, his gaze reaching for Caroline. “I’ll probably have an opening for a bright young attorney fresh out of law school.”

Caroline gasped. “Me?”

“I think we’d work great together.” Dane looked at his brother. “Of course, we’ll probably be working some really long hours. You won’t have much time for your new husband.”

Caroline felt the vibration of Simon’s growl against her back. “Then I’ll have to discuss it with him before I say yes.”

As she accepted hugs from the Holcrofts, Caroline knew she’d finally found the place where she belonged. The last pair of arms that came around her belonged to Simon.

“I think I’d better send Francine a thank-you note,” she said, pushing up onto her toes until his lips were within reach.

His bright blue eyes danced with mirth. “Why is that?”

“For giving me the best Christmas present ever.” She grazed her mouth against his. “You.”

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