He nods and parks in front of the house.
“Why don’t you ever use the garage?” I ask, pointing to the detached three-car garage not far from the house.
“I do in the winter,” he says. “I guess I’m just lazy in the summer. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” I shrug and follow him inside. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Why don’t we do a little stargazing first?” he asks, taking my hand in his and kissing my knuckles. “I want some more time with you. I had to share you all evening.”
I cock my head to the side, feeling a shift in the energy but unable to put my finger on why.
“Okay.” We walk outside, and I gasp, stopping in my tracks. “Oh, this is pretty.”
Noah has strung twinkle lights above and around the deck. Rose petals are sprinkled everywhere, and champagne is chilling in a bucket by the chairs.
“Noah.”
I turn to find him smiling, his hands in his pockets as if he’s nervous.
“We need to celebrate,” he says simply and leads me to a chair. “Have a seat.”
“Are these chocolate-covered strawberries?”
He nods and pours me a glass of champagne, does the same for himself, and then sits next to me. The chairs are angled more, so I’m looking right at him, our knees almost touching.
“You know, I didn’t want to fall in love, Fallon. It really wasn’t in the plan. I had my business, my family, and I was content.
“Or, at least I thought I was.”
He frowns, staring at his glass.
“But then you came into my life, and I started to want more. To want everything.”
He looks up at me now, and I hold my breath, listening intently.
“I love you so much it hurts.” He swallows hard. “I ache with it, and I don’t want to ease that ache. I look at you, and I see everything good in my life. I’m all in, Fallon, for the rest of my days. I want to grow old with you, sitting on this deck and watching the sun rise over the mountains. I want babies—when you’re ready.”
I feel my lips twitch, remembering my awkward conversation on this very deck about children.
“I want to enjoy my community, my family, and I want it all with you.”
He sets his glass aside and slips down onto one knee. I gasp, covering my mouth with my hand and holding his gaze with mine. He holds out a diamond ring that sparkles in the twinkling lights.
“Fallon, will you marry me?”
“God, yes!” I throw my arms around his neck, holding on tightly. I press my lips to his ear. “I love you so much, Noah King.”
He eases back and slips the ring on my finger, then kisses the knuckle above it. I feel the zing of electricity all the way up my arm.
I lean in, cupping his cheeks, and kiss him, firmly at first, but then the tone changes to soft and sensual. My nipples tighten. My core flexes.
“If you’re going to be my husband, does that mean I can get you naked whenever I want?”
He cocks a brow, interest filling his brown eyes. “That’s always been the case, sweetheart.”
“Oh, good.”
I tug up his shirt, but he stills my hands. “Hold that thought. There’s no one out here, but just in case.”
He hurries over and unplugs the twinkle lights, and we’re just in moonlight now. He pulls his shirt over his head and tosses it aside as he joins me.
“Is it too cold to do this out here?” I ask.
“You tell me. You make me so hot, I could do this in sub-zero temperatures.”
I laugh and reach for the waistband of his jeans.
“I’m hot for you,” I answer honestly, and he leans in to plant a kiss on my forehead, in that way he does that has set me on fire since our first date. “Let’s get you out of these clothes.”
“If I’d known a proposal got you this turned on, I would have done it a month ago,” he says, tugging my dress over my head and cursing under his breath when he has me naked. “God, I love the way you look. Especially in the moonlight.”
“I have a scar,” I say, as he traces the line with his fingertip.
“It’ll fade,” he whispers before kissing it sweetly. “And it’s a reminder that you survived, Fal.”
“Yeah, I did.” I grin as my hand plunges into his pants, encircling his already hard cock. “And thank goodness, because I want to be able to do this for the rest of my life.”
I lean in and circle the tip with my tongue, then sink down, sucking hard.
“Fucking hell,” he mutters, his hands planted in my hair. “Oh God, babe. I need you to stop doing that so I don’t come in your mouth.”
But I don’t stop, so he picks me up and sits with me straddling him.
“Tonight is not for that,” he says, pushing my hair over my shoulder. “It’s for this.”
He guides my hips up, and I sink over him, sighing in pleasure as he fills me.
His fingers tighten on my hips. He leans in to suck an already puckered nipple, and we move together under the stars, making silent promises to each other in the moonlight.
* * * *
“Did you get up early to clean up?” I ask as I sit on the deck with my tea. Noah beat me out here, a coffee mug in his hand and a smile on his handsome face.
“I couldn’t sleep,” he admits. “I think I’m too excited.”
“You’re sweet.” I set my mug on the table between us and take a deep breath. “I can smell the change in the season.”
“It’s chilly this morning,” he says and grins. “But you’re warm in that robe.”
“All of the gifts I got after the accident will come in handy all winter,” I agree, warm in my slippers and robe. The sun is just about to come up over the mountains. The sky is purple and blue, and I’m content in the knowledge that I get to watch this sunrise every morning for the rest of my life.
Suddenly, a bald eagle lands on the railing of the deck, surprising us both.
“Wow,” I whisper, and then frown. “Wait. Is that—?”
“It absolutely is,” Noah breathes. “Look at the beak.”
“It’s my eagle,” I say, leaning forward. “Hey there, sweet boy. How on earth did you find us?”
“They’re smarter than we give them credit for,” Noah says. “He likes you.”
The eagle watches me, tilting his head as we talk.
“I like you, too,” I say and hold my hand up for him to see. “You get to be the first to know. Noah asked me to marry him.”
The eagle squawks, making both Noah and me chuckle. Another eagle lands in the maple tree about twenty feet away.
“Looks like he’s got a sweetheart,” I say and smile at the eagle. “Good for you, buddy. Are you going to make your home here?”
He squawks once more and flies over to the other bird.
“Me, too.”
Epilogue
~Fallon~
Christmas Day
“I’m coming in there,” Noah says and barges into the bathroom.
“I can’t pee with you in here,” I complain.
“You’re not peeing on that stick without me,” he says, shaking his head. “We’re in this together.”
“Can’t we be in this together after I’ve peed?”
“No.” He kisses my forehead as I rip open the box. “Jesus, how many did you buy?”
“Four. Just in case.”
“In case there are four babies?”
I sigh. “No, in case one of them is wrong.”
“But it’s their whole purpose in life to be right,” he says. “Wait. Did you get the ones that say pregnant or not pregnant?”
“No, I got the ones that have a line or no line. We’re intelligent people, Noah. We can figure this out. Besides, aren’t you a doctor?”
He stares at me like I’ve just announced I’m climbing Kilimanjaro.
“I’m a zoologist,” he says. “I’m not a people doctor.”
“Still, you’re smart. We’ve got this.”
<
br /> “Okay, pee.”
I scowl, unwrap the stick, pull off the cap, and shrug. “I guess I pee on this thing.”
“Great. Let’s do it.”
“Why does the girl have to do it?” I wonder. “I mean, it’s easier for men to aim.”
“Because I’m not the one with a bun in the oven,” he says with a laugh. “Come on, the suspense is killing me.”
I sit on the toilet and stare at Noah as he leans on the vanity, his arms crossed over his chest, watching me intently.
“At least turn around. I can’t do this with you watching me.”
He sighs but complies, turning his back to me.
“You know, we’ve been married for a year,” he reminds me. “I’ve already seen it all.”
“You haven’t seen me go to the bathroom,” I say and tinkle on the stick. “Let’s keep a few mysteries alive in our marriage.”
“If that stick is positive, there will be few mysteries left,” he says, and my stomach immediately erupts with butterflies.
“If it’s positive,” I say as I cap the stick and finish my job, then pull up my pants. “Everything is going to change.”
“In wonderful ways,” he says and turns when I flush and wash my hands. “How long do we wait?”
“Three minutes.”
I set the test stick aside and walk into his arms, soaking him in. “What if it’s negative?”
“We get to keep trying,” he replies. “Today.”
“I’m being serious.”
“So am I, sweetheart. I can’t keep my hands off of you.”
I laugh and glance down. “Has it been three minutes?”
“No, it’s been one minute.”
“Well, that’s all it took.” I pick it up and grin. “Because this second line is as bright as can be.”
“What does the second line mean?” He reaches for the box, but I take his hand in mine.
“We’re having a baby.”
He blinks as if the news is unexpected, which only makes me laugh.
“Uh, Noah? This happens when you try to get pregnant. Well, if you’re lucky. And it seems we are.”
“Holy shit.” He grins and lifts me off my feet, spinning me in a circle. “Holy shit! We’re having a baby!”
There’s a knock on the door.
“Hello?” Gray calls out. “We want to open presents out here. Come on already.”
We smile at each other. “We’d better go tell them.”
“Why did we invite the whole family here for Christmas morning?” Noah asks. “I want to take you to bed and celebrate.”
“Later.” I open the door and smile up at Gray.
“Stop it with the Christmas hanky-panky already.”
“Stop trying to ruin my fun,” Noah counters as we walk out to the living room. Noah’s parents came up from Arizona for the holiday, and even Lacey came from Portland. Gray and Autumn are passing out presents.
Noah raises a brow at me, but I shake my head.
Not yet.
Once all of the paper is torn, and we’ve gorged ourselves on cinnamon rolls and hot beverages, I nod at Noah.
“We have one more present,” he says, taking my hand in his.
“We’re having a baby,” I announce.
“We know,” Gray says, taking another cinnamon roll off the platter. “You were back there forever.”
“I listened in like any self-respecting mother does when she hears the words pee on the stick,” Susan adds.
I look at Noah, and we dissolve into laughter.
“You didn’t say anything!”
“We didn’t want to ruin your announcement,” Doug says as he pulls me in for a hug. “But I sure am happy, sweet girl.”
“Looks like we’ll be spending more time in the cabin,” Susan agrees. “Because I’m not missing out on my grandchildren. What a blessing this is! Daughters and babies.”
Autumn smiles, her hand on her swollen belly.
A blessing, not a burden.
That’s what family is.
* * * *
Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Kristen Proby, discover Tempting Brooke, No Reservations, Easy With You, and Easy For Keeps.
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Discover the Kristen Proby Crossover Collection
Soaring with Fallon: A Big Sky Novel
By Kristen Proby
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Fallon McCarthy has climbed the corporate ladder. She’s had the office with the view, the staff, and the plaque on her door. The unexpected loss of her grandmother taught her that there’s more to life than meetings and conference calls, so she quit, and is happy to be a nomad, checking off items on her bucket list as she takes jobs teaching yoga in each place she lands in. She’s happy being free, and has no interest in being tied down.
When Noah King gets the call that an eagle has been injured, he’s not expecting to find a beautiful stranger standing vigil when he arrives. Rehabilitating birds of prey is Noah’s passion, it’s what he lives for, and he doesn’t have time for a nosy woman who’s suddenly taken an interest in Spread Your Wings sanctuary.
But Fallon’s gentle nature, and the way she makes him laugh, and feel again draws him in. When it comes time for Fallon to move on, will Noah’s love be enough for her to stay, or will he have to find the strength to let her fly?
* * * *
Wicked Force: A Wicked Horse Vegas/Big Sky Novella
By Sawyer Bennett
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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett…
Joslyn Meyers has taken the celebrity world by storm, drawing the attention of millions. But one fan’s affections has gone too far, and she’s running to the one place she hopes he’ll never find her – back home to Cunningham Falls.
Kynan McGrath leads The Jameson Group, a world-class security organization, and he’s ready to do what it takes to keep Joslyn safe, even if it means giving up his own life in return. The one thing he’s not prepared to lose, though, is his heart.
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Crazy Imperfect Love: A Dirty Dicks/Big Sky Novella
By KL Grayson
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From USA Today bestselling author KL Grayson…
Abigail Darwin needs one thing in life: consistency. Okay, make that two things: consistency and order. Tired of being shackled to her obsessive-compulsive mind, Abigail is determined to break free. Which is why she’s shaking things up.
Fresh out of nursing school, she takes a traveling nurse position. A new job in a new city every few months? That’s a sure-fire way to keep her from settling down and falling into old habits. First stop, Cunningham Falls, Montana.
The only problem? She didn’t plan on falling in love with the quaint little town, and she sure as heck didn’t plan on falling for its resident surgeon, Dr. Drake Merritt.
Laid back, messy, and spontaneous, Drake is everything she’s not. But he is completely smitten by the new, quirky nurse working on the med-surg floor of the hospital.
Abby puts up a good fight, but Drake is determined to break through her carefully erected walls to find out what makes her tick. And sigh and moan and smile and laugh. Because he really loves her laugh.
But falling in love isn’t part of Abby’s plan. Will Drake have what it takes to convince her that the best things in life come from doing what scares us the most?
* * * *
Worth Fighting For: A Warrior Fight Club/Big Sky Novella
By Laura Kaye
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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye…
Getting in deep has never felt this good...
Commercial diving instruct
or Tara Hunter nearly lost everything in an accident that saw her medically discharged from the navy. With the help of the Warrior Fight Club, she’s fought hard to overcome her fears and get back in the water where she’s always felt most at home. At work, she’s tough, serious, and doesn’t tolerate distractions. Which is why finding her gorgeous one-night stand on her new dive team is such a problem.
Former navy deep-sea diver Jesse Anderson just can’t seem to stop making mistakes—the latest being the hot-as-hell night he’d spent with his new partner. This job is his second chance, and Jesse knows he shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. But spending every day with Tara’s smart mouth and sexy curves makes her so damn hard to resist.
Joining a wounded warrior MMA training program seems like the perfect way to blow off steam—until Jesse finds that Tara belongs too. Now they’re getting in deep and taking each other down day and night, and even though it breaks all the rules, their inescapable attraction might just be the only thing truly worth fighting for.
* * * *
Nothing Without You: A Forever Yours/Big Sky Novella
By Monica Murphy
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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy…
Designing wedding cakes is Maisey Henderson’s passion. She puts her heart and soul into every cake she makes, especially since she’s such a believer in true love. But then Tucker McCloud rolls back into town, reminding her that love is a complete joke. The pro football player is the hottest thing to come out of Cunningham Falls—and the boy who broke Maisey’s heart back in high school.
He claims he wants another chance. She says absolutely not. But Maisey’s refusal is the ultimate challenge to Tucker. Life is a game, and Tucker’s playing to win Maisey’s heart—forever.
Soaring with Fallon Page 20