I wrap my arms around her waist, savoring the way she melts into me. “You, Lennon. I’m hungry for you.” Angling my head, I slam my lips against hers, and our mouths mold together in a timeless dance. My heart swells with more love than I thought it capable of, and when it’s about to burst, I pull back.
Lennon is panting, her bright blue eyes shining up at me. I see the love in her, and I know…I just know that this is it. She is it. We’ve both had to push past our fears and give love a second chance, but once I discovered the truth about Lennon, I knew I couldn’t have it any other way.
“I love you, Lennon.”
She grins. “Not nearly as much as I love you.”
“Are we going to stand here all day?” Nova asks, tugging on my hand.
“No, just a few more seconds,” I answer, staring at the sign hanging above my boutique.
My boutique: Lennon’s Threads
It’s nestled on the corner of Main Street, two doors down from Charlotte’s shop. Shortly after moving in with Noah, I started looking for a building, and when this little beauty popped up, I snagged it. It’s been months, and I still stare up at the sign in awe every time I walk through the door.
A lot has changed since I moved to Heaven. My father and Mr. Morgan won the election. The media has died down, choosing to focus on my father rather than me, which I’m thankful for. I get the occasional phone call asking for an interview about Children Everywhere, which I’m still managing, with help from Jane. Mathis finally gave up on trying to win me back, and I heard from my mother that he was spotted at the country club with Lizzie. Speaking of my mother, she’s come around…about as much as I think she ever will. We talk from time to time. Our relationship will never be great, but it’s a start in the right direction.
“Come on,” Nova urges, giving my hand another tug. “I want to try that dress on.”
I blink, pulling myself out of my head. “It isn’t your dress. You do know that, right?”
She rolls her eyes, something she’s getting good at. Who knew kids did that at such a young age?
Nova tugs me inside and runs straight for the dress, which is hanging on the children’s rack at the back of the store. It’s cream-colored lace with a pink sash, and it also happens to be a custom-made flower girl dress.
I’ve been lucky. In addition to the contract work I get from several high-end boutiques in New York and L.A., and my work for Trevor Fallon, I’ve had a steady stream of local projects since the day I opened. I use the room in the back to sew and sketch, and the front of the store holds the dresses I’m working on, as well as the ones I have for sale.
“Be careful, Nova. I’m not finished with that yet; I don’t want you to bust a seam.”
“I won’t,” she hollers from one of the dressing rooms.
I’ve used Nova as a mannequin a few times with this particular dress, and she’s taken a liking to it. Who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll get to make her a similar dress for my own wedding. The thought brings a smile to my face.
“You look happy.” Two strong arms wrap around me from behind, and I whip around, smacking Noah in the chest.
“What did I tell you about sneaking up on me?”
“I wasn’t sneaking. The bell above the door rang when I came in. You were just in La-La Land.”
I can’t deny that. La-La Land is a place I find myself in a lot now that I’ve moved in with Noah and Nova. I’m constantly dreaming about getting married and growing our family. Noah and I talk about it all time, and I’m getting antsy.
“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work?” I ask.
“I should, but I brought you a surprise.” Noah turns around, and I gasp when I see him reach for a small black box on my front desk. Heart in my throat, I wait as he brings it to me. Slowly, he opens the box, revealing…
“A cupcake?” It’s a mini cupcake from the bakery next door, Sweetie Pies.
“Yes, it’s your favorite.” His smile falters. “That is your favorite flavor, right? Double chocolate fudge?”
“Of course it is.” Swiping my finger over the icing, I scoop it into m
y mouth. “This would taste better if I could eat it off you,” I whisper before kissing him gently.
Noah groans. Pressing a hand to my lower back, he pulls me against him, pushing his erection against my belly, making sure I understand just how much he likes that idea. I set the cupcake on a side table and lace my arms around his neck.
“Daddy, look!” Nova bursts out of the dressing room.
Noah and I break apart as she spins around.