“Is that even possible?” she asked, teasing.
“In this moment, my dear, I feel like anything is possible,” he answered, and she giggled.
“Well, that might be a bit much,” she conceded.
He nodded as if seriously considering her point. “All right, I’ll keep it to once every hour. But no less. Does that seem reasonable?”
“Perfectly.” She couldn’t stop smiling. This was why she loved Lucas so. It wasn’t just the strength of his character, or his intelligence, or his kindness. It was these moments where they could laugh with each other over absurdities—and then want to kiss each other as if the world were ending in the next moment.
“Oh, before I forget,” he pulled back, gently disentangling himself from her. “I have something for you.”
He walked to his desk, opening the top drawer. He pulled out a blue velvet box. He hesitated, seeming almost unsure, before returning to her. He handed it to her without saying anything.
She was curious at his nervousness. She pried open the box and gasped.
“Nigel’s watch,” she said, touching a reverent fingertip to the delicate gold. She met his guarded eyes, and she realized he was not sure how she would react to the gift. “I could not have asked for a better wedding present.”
He smiled and caught her lips in a quick kiss. “Good.”
“But I have nothing for you,” she said, appalled.
He smiled, pulling her against his chest, where she settled in against the beat of his heart. She felt his lips against her hair, and she sighed in contentment. She was home.
“All I need is you, Gemma,” he said. “All I need is you.”
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Acknowledgments
A heaping of thank yous to the ladies who read this first: Dana Underwood, Marissa Carl-Acosta and Julie Reis. Your encouragement, support and friendship while I was writing and editing this book has been too precious to put into words. But I will always carry it in my heart.
I’d also like to thank Katherine Kline for being a cheerleader, a rock, a sympathetic ear, and a constant and joyous co-celebrator.
For my writing group loves, Katie Smith and Abby McIntyre, I would like to say a huge thank you for helping me hone the craft over wine, laughter and tater tots.
To my amazing editor Candace Havens, I cannot say thank you enough. Not only for seeing the potential in this, but for helping me sharpen it into what I wanted it to be. You challenged me and pushed me to be the best writer I could be, and for that I am forever grateful.
Finally, to my parents, thank you for everything you are and everything you have done for me. You taught me the beauty of kindness, the importance of words, and how to have fortitude in the face of challenges. And of course, how to be embrace the Labuskes mantra: “If you’re confident, dude. Go for it.”
About the Author
Brianna Labuskes is a D.C. journalist who has had a lifelong love affair with romance novels. An absolute sap for a happily ever after, she will never pass up the chance to read about soulmates stumbling toward each other through every obstacle a devious writer can place in their path. Spunky heroines who save the day — as their heroes watch on in awe — are a particular favorite, and that’s what you’ll see in her books. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brianna playing with her two adorably precious nieces, having way too much fun editing health care policy news or searching endlessly for the best brunch in the city. Follow her @brilabuskes to find out if she’s ever successful at it.
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