She didn’t get the chance because he was moving again, peeling her clothes away. He kissed the small of her back, sending shivers shooting out in all directions. And then he was working the oil into her skin. His large, work-hardened hands somehow made her feel like the most precious thing to ever exist.
Karise was in that blissful place between asleep and awake when he whispered words of love in her ear and left her alone in her room.
The next morning dawned bright and beautiful. Kate, Jane, and Alex descended on her before she’d even had a cup of coffee, readying her for the wedding. Zoe flitted in later, declaring her the most beautiful mommy ever, before Lucia found her. The woman who’d been a mother to Karise stopped short at the sight of her.
“She’s right. You are beautiful.” Lucia took Karise’s hands in hers.
Karise kissed the woman’s cheek. “I knew I had a lot to thank you for, and I’ve always loved you, but having Zoe in my life gives me a whole new appreciation for you. You’re an amazing woman, and I’m lucky to have you for a mom.”
Lucia wiped her eyes and hugged Karise. “I’ve always loved you as if you were my own. I’m so thankful for you and your father.”
After a warm embrace, Lucia ushered Zoe out of the room while Jane set about repairing Karise’s makeup. When she was finished, Karise stepped back to look at her reflection. The satin dress was both simple and elegant; its gracefully sweeping lines reminded Karise of the wind blowing across her poppy field back home.
“It’s time.” Kate handed her a bouquet of warmly colored poppies.
Jane and Alex each hugged her carefully and wished her well before leaving to take their seats. Karise was bubbling with emotion, though she hoped she was managing to look poised on the surface. Like moving through a dream, she was aware of Kate fussing over her dress. Pablo took her hand and whispered how lovely she looked. Music was playing. The faces of those she loved most were around her.
And then time fell away the instant she saw him standing there in a morning dress tuxedo under the arbor of roses Devon had made for this moment. They were the only two people in the world as she obeyed the magnetic pull that drew her down the short aisle until she stood before him, her hand in his, their eyes locked.
Karise wasn’t sure how she managed to recite her vows. She wanted to weep at the sweetness of his, as he declared before all that she was his only love, the one he had been waiting for.
The ceremony was short and simple, exactly what Karise had wanted. And just like that, Karise McAlister became Karise Donnelly. For the first time in her life, she didn’t care nearly as much about the name she left behind as the one she’d gained.
Later that afternoon, after the meal had been served and the cake had been cut, she found herself twirling around the dance floor in Aidan’s arms. He was strong and steady, something Karise needed to keep her upright as a heady mixture of love and desire threatened to overtake her. His eyes shone brightly as he looked down at her, adoration written all over his face. She hoped he could see the love written on hers as well. She knew she could spend the rest of her life trying and never fully convey what was in her heart.
She never could have foreseen the path her life had taken, but then she was beginning to realize that life’s unexpected journeys were often the sweetest. She held Aidan a little tighter, wondering what trails lay before them. Whatever they were, she knew she’d follow him anywhere. Not only were the good things worth waiting for, they were worth holding on to.
EPILOGUE
“YOU’RE EXCITED TO MEET ME, aren’t you?”Aidan was bent over Karise’s stomach, his hands placed on either side of her ever-expanding belly as he talked to his children.
“And you are going to get them all riled up again,” Karise teasingly protested, reaching out to stroke his hair.
“I can’t help it. I want them to know me when they’re born.” His face shone brightly as he looked back up at her.
“How could they not know you? You’re the best daddy ever. They can just ask their big sister if they need references.” Karise resituated herself on the couch; one of the twins was pushing a bone that wasn’t designed for doing handstands on. “Speaking of big sister, when will Zoe be home? I’m dying to show her the room.”
“Gavin just texted. Jonathan woke up from his nap, so they’re loading up now.”
“Then I’d better hurry and put the finishing touches on.”
“Sweetheart, hurrying is one thing you do not excel at these days.” Aidan kissed her stomach and then moved to kiss her mouth.
She kissed him back before chastising him for not being nice. He kissed her again and she forgave him.
“I can’t believe we actually got the house finished in time.” Aidan stood and offered Karise a hand.
She used the outstretched arm to heft herself off the couch, wondering if she’d ever be skinny again. “Just barely, I think.”
“Because they’re excited to meet me,” Aidan circled back to the original conversation.
“For someone who likes to remind me the best things are worth waiting for, you are terribly impatient.” Karise waddled towards Zoe’s room. She never got tired of looking at it; everything had come together perfectly. Zoe’s new room was a child’s wonderland, and the house was now sporting two additional rooms and a bathroom. For entertaining space, Karise had added to the outside of the house with a patio and an outdoor kitchen.
Aidan leaned against the doorframe of Zoe’s room, admiring Karise’s handiwork. “It’s amazing. You’re amazing. And you and the children, you’re definitely the best things in life.”
Karise rested against his chest, relishing the steady feel of his heartbeat behind her and the thump of stretching babies in her belly. In that moment, she was completely and totally surrounded by love. It was a memory she wouldn’t have missed for the world.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I have many people in my life I’m forever grateful for. God’s blessed me by surrounding me with some pretty fantastic friends, family and readers. I can’t thank you all enough for being part of my world.
Erica Fitzgerald – you are a phenomenal editor and even better friend. If not for your encouragement, I would never have finished that first book when I picked up my pen again after a decade of silence. I value your friendship and opinion more than you’ll ever know.
Jennifer Gilbert, Sophie Weeks and Loretta Matson – you are all three incredibly talented women and I’m so thankful you were part of this project. I’m even more thankful you didn’t reach through the computer screen to thump me when I habitually missed deadlines. Your professionalism and patience is forever appreciated and is surpassed only by your creative talent. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Becki Brannen, Pamela Hargraves, Dan Litvak, Cassie Beattie, Megan Bermel, Holli Wright, Megan Stevens, Denise Hodge, Alison Scheppel, Kasey Andruski & Stefani Berislavich-Hill – whenever I begin to wonder how I can possibly find the time to write another book, you remind me why I started down this path in the first place. Every day, I’m thankful for the chance to know such amazing people. You are more than my readers; you are my friends.
ALSO BY HEATHER HUFFMAN
Ties that Bind (Contemporary Romance) Kate has moved to San Francisco and gotten herself hired by the man she suspects to be her dad. Soon, she will have to confront the decisions of her past to find out whether she can love the man who gave her up, the man who loves her, and even herself.
Ring of Fire (Romantic Suspense) Wealth, beauty and power are somehow not enough. Maybe if you add in smuggling and rare diamonds?
Roses in Ecuador (Romantic Suspense) Jane Russell wants nothing more than to tend to the jaguars on her preserve in Ecuador in peace, and she's certainly not looking for love. But a handsome rose plantation owner, a mysterious U.S. Senator, and unknown sinister forces have other plans.
Jailbird (Romantic Suspense) A woman running from the law makes a new life. Sometimes love, friendship, and family bloom against
all odds… especially if you make a tasty dandelion jam.
Throwaway (Romantic Suspense) A prostitute and a police detective fall in love, proving it’s never too late to change your destiny and seek happiness. Of course, the mob might have different ideas.
Suddenly a Spy (Romantic Suspense) Thrown into a world of espionage, seduction, and human trafficking, Veronica must fight for the life and husband she thought she had—and she must discover whether they are the life and husband she truly wants.
Devil in Disguise (Romantic Suspense) Reporter Rachel Cooper is America's Sweetheart—but that won't help her when human traffickers kidnap her sister. Can an old flame help her protect the ones she loves?
Fool's Game (Romantic Suspense) Targeted for assassination, government agent Caitlyn O’Rourke finds herself working alongside the man who broke her heart and betrayed her long ago.
Tumbleweed (Contemporary Romance) When a cruel twist of fate threatens her new life in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Hailey must choose between rebuilding and fighting for love, or continuing to drift through life like a tumbleweed.
Waiting for You Page 21