Page 25 of Snow Drift

She grins up at me, giving me a tiny kiss. "See, it's not just that you're super sweet. It's that you think of things like that. Same as how you thought about therapy."

Taking her hand, I tap her finger against my temple. "This noggin's not just good for designing gardens. I read stuff and some of it sinks in."

Her laugh makes me feel like I'm twirling her in a forest full of wildflowers, not just swinging her around a freezing sunroom with endless snow drifts out the windows.

"My contract runs until mid March, so I guess after that…"

"I'll have a house ready for you by then. I mean, we'll choose it together, of course."

"Oh, I don't know anything about that stuff. That's all you."

I scrunch my eyebrows together in the grumpiest glare I can fake. "Pfft. You're a woman. Women have better taste. You will be doing your womanly duty by helping select a home for us."

"Womanly duty?" She leans back, fanning her hand over her heart. "Well, I never. My…mystars, sir."

We collapse into fits of giggles as I sit on a chaise lounge, pulling her into my lap. "Do you have any strong opinions on gardening and landscaping?"

Her fingers walk along my bicep. "I think good landscaping is pretty. I like having shady areas. And some flowers. Other than that, I'm going to leave it up to the professional."

"I think we should plan it together anyway. You'll keep me from being too fussy."

"What if I like daisies and you like roses? How will we raise the children? As daisy people or rose people?"

Kallie starts to laugh at her own joke, then stops. "Oh. Right. According to Mom, I'm supposed to ask you whether you're into marriage and children before I, and I quote, pack my bags?" The hopeful look in her eyes is breathtakingly sweet.

"I definitely want to get married. Children…mmm…I'm thinking one. Maybe two."

She smiles happily. "Good. I'm not the kind of person who could handle seven kids and maintain my sanity."

"Hey, you chose me. Your sanity is already somewhat questionable."

She looks at me with her jaw hanging open. "Me? What about you? Here you are wanting to garden with a girl you've only known since Monday. What kind of self-respecting landscaper?—"

I cut her off with a kiss. It starts off soft and sweet, quickly gaining heat until we can barely breathe. Her every tiny caress, the way she moans against my lips… we're so wild for each other that I already know everything is going to turn out amazing.

Finally parting for air, I pick up her left hand and kiss her ring finger. "Along with flower preferences, I'm also going to need some information about stones and ring styles you like."

She shakes her head quickly. "Oh, no rush on that."

I stare directly into her gorgeous eyes. "The engagement ring questionnaire will be completed before we move in together."

"Ha! I had no idea you were so old-fashioned."

I clear my throat. "My good woman, you're going to be discovering all sorts of nonsense about me. Better get used to it."

She laughs, her long blonde hair tickling my shoulder as she cuddles against me.

We sit watching the snow blow gently off the trees and onto the ground. After a moment of utter peace, I whisper, "I love you, Kallie."

Her magical blue eyes lock on mine. "I love you, Moore."

I take a moment to allow her words to sink in, hoping she can feel my heart pounding. Then I nod. "Good. That's settled. Now I'm taking you into the dining room to split my dessert with me."

"I can't do that! Staff aren't allowed in the dining room unless they're working."

"You are going to be working. You're going to be helping me finish my dessert."

Standing up, I keep her in my arms as I march back in to finish lunch. Luckily for everyone, my dessert is still there, along with a steaming cup of fresh coffee.

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