“Back at you.”
She bumped my shoulder. “Then we’re still okay.”
Lifting her hand, I pressed it to my lips. “Yes, we are.” I was quiet for a minute, sipping my wine, when I noticed the thick book sitting beside Avery.
I looked at it, and my throat closed with emotion. I knew exactly what it was: Avery had saved one flower from every bouquet I had given Maggie, one flower for every date I’d had with my girl over the past twenty-three years.
Twenty-three years of flowers and memories.
“Maggie’s book,” I murmured.
“Yeah, I was looking through it tonight; thinking how many years had flown by, and remembering how Mags chose one flower from every bouquet, and I helped her dry and save it. She loves this book."
I picked up the book and set it on my lap. Flipping through it, I paused, read the dates, and looked at each dried, pressed flower. Under every flower was a short note, written first by Avery, then by Maggie, as she got old enough to do it herself, of what our date consisted of that night. There were lots of mini golf nights, many more spent at the park, and as she matured—movies, ice-skating, shopping, and coffee shop talks. She’d kept movie stubs, concert tickets, and programs to plays we’d gone to, carefully adding them into her memory book. As I turned the pages, she grew up, and her writing changed from a childish scrawl in crayon to a cursive, elegant script—her words longer and more descriptive.
“She’ll have to add in tonight’s flower.”
I nodded. There were still empty pages—all of which I planned to fill. Years more of memories to create with my Princess.
I took a deep breath, smiling, and after closing it, brought the book to my chest and closed my eyes, savoring all the memories flowing through my mind.
Avery leaned her head on my shoulder, slipping her hand into mine and squeezing. “Need three?”
I rested my head on hers. “Yeah.”
“We raised three great kids together.”
“We did.”
“We’ve had an amazing life so far.”
“Yep.”
“We have lots more years together.”
“I’m looking forward to them.”
“And here’s your bonus. I love you as much today, if not more, than I did all those years ago.”
“I love your bonuses.” I pressed a kiss to Avery’s head. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
She hummed, and we were silent for a moment.
“How about a vacation, Sprite?”
“Yeah?”
We’d had plenty of family vacations over the years, and we tried to get away on our own from time to time, but it hadn’t always worked out. I wanted to take her away, spend time with only her, and create more memories of us.
“Yeah. Some time for us. You, me, a beautiful beach, and very little clothing. Just like our honeymoon.” I ran my finger over her smooth cheek. “I want to spend a day kissing you. Endlessly kissing you.”
“I’d love that. But why now?”
I shrugged. “Because we can? After the wedding, before the baby comes. The practice is doing great. I can take some time away.” I wrapped my arm around her waist, drawing her close. “We’ve raised our family, Avery, and we have the rest of our life to enjoy them. Let’s enjoy us.”
“That sounds fabulous.”
“What if I told you I was going to semi-retire? Ask you to find someone to take over the books?”
After becoming pregnant with the triplets, Avery left the accounting firm. She worked on the books for the clinic and stable, allowing Caitlin more time to help expand the practice. It proved to be successful for all of us. She still did them because she enjoyed it and it kept her busy.
“Suzanne can step in. She does a lot now.”
“Perfect. It’s settled. As soon as the wedding is over, we’re paying a visit to the travel agent. You pick the first destination.”
“Hawaii,” she replied with no hesitation. It was one of our favorite places. Then she grinned. “England, next. You get your beach; I get my history.”
“Done.”
Standing in one swift movement, I surprised her by scooping her up into my arms and carrying her inside; pausing only once to set down the precious book on the hall table.
Her little gasp made me smile. “I thought you felt old, Dr. Spencer?”
I turned and pressed her into the wall, smirking at her playfully, as she yanked off my tie. “Suddenly, Mrs. Spencer, I feel remarkably frisky.”
A brilliant smile graced her lips. Reaching up, she pulled her hair from its holder, the long blonde waves falling around her shoulders. Her eyes glowed in the muted light.
In that instant, she looked like the Avery from the first day I saw her, crouched in the doorway, and fell in love with her.
I carried her to our bed, tossing her on the mattress, listening to her carefree laughter.
My sweet, little Sprite. I wanted her as intensely now as I did back then.
I always would—until my last breath.
Her arms opened.
I went willingly.
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative storylines to her, often with a large glass of wine keeping her company.
Contact Melanie
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Into the Storm
Beneath the Scars
Over the Fence
The Contract
It Started with a Kiss
They say it takes a village to raise a child—the same can be said of writing a book.
Caroline, thank you for your help. Your keen eyes and support mean so much.
To Karen, Beth, Shelly, Janett, Darlene, Lisa, Kristi, Carrie, Jeanne, Claudia, Pamela, Suzanne—I cannot even begin to thank you. All your encouragement and the love you have shown to me and my work the past months is priceless. The friendships I have found with you all are a treasured gift.
Deb—another book done, my friend. You constantly push me, helping me continue to grow as a writer. Your efforts make my words better. Thank you for everything.
To all the bloggers, thank you for everything you do. Sharing your love of books, posting, reviewing—your recommendations keep my TBR list full, and the support you have shown me is greatly appreciated.
To my fellow authors who have shown me such kindness, thank you. I will follow your example and pay it forward.
To Christine—thank you for making my words look pretty!
And, of course, much love to the ladies at Enchanted and my group Melanie’s Minions. You rock!
Finally—Matthew. My world. I love you. Always.
It Started With a Kiss Page 22