Page 11 of Farmer's Elegant Bride

Levi pulls back slightly, his hands cupping my face as he looks into my eyes. “You’re enough just as you are, and I love you for it, baby.”

Tears well up in my eyes as I hear his words. “I love you too, Levi,” I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t want to leave.”

Levi’s eyes soften, a tender smile playing at the corners of his lips as he pulls me into another hug, holding me close. “Then stay,” he murmurs, his words a promise of hope and possibility. “Stay with me, Aurora. Let’s give us a chance.”

“Okay, I won’t leave.”

A boyish smile curls his lips. “Thank you.”

And at that moment, as we stand there wrapped in each other’s arms, I know I’ve found where I belong, in the embrace of the man who loves me just as I am.

Epilogue

Three years later

Aurora

The morning air is crisp as the sun peeks over the mountainside, carrying the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers. I can’t help but smile at the beauty of the moment. Today is special—it’s our third anniversary.

I woke up this morning feeling so excited. I’ve been looking forward to spending the day alone with Levi, away from our busy schedule.

Levi, my ever-so-thoughtful husband, rose early to tend to the chores so we could spend the entire day together. I set up a blanket and filled a thermos with coffee, taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Reflecting on the past few years, I think back to that day at the airport, the uncertainty and doubt that once clouded my mind. But now, with Levi by my side, I’ve found a love that surpasses anything I could have imagined. I’ve never doubted his love for me.

Pouring Levi a cup of coffee, I feel a surge of gratitude for the life we’ve built together. Despite my initial worries, I found a job in town as a bookkeeper, not out of necessity but to contribute and feel a sense of purpose.

Levi wasn’t too happy with it because he didn’t want me lifting a finger, but when he saw how happy the job made me, he let me be. I also help him with the farm bookkeeping.

Emily and Mom have since accepted that I’m not coming back. I later discovered that Emily’s pleas for me to return weren’t out of concern for me but rather jealousy over my newfound joy. Her marriage was teetering on the brink of collapse at that time, and unfortunately, it has since crumbled.

I guess she couldn’t stand being the sister whose life wasn’t perfect. She wanted me to return so I could continue living in her shadow, maintaining the illusion of her flawless life.

As Levi joins me, a broad smile spreads across my lips; the mere sight of this man brings me joy.

“Happy anniversary, Baby,” Levi whispers, drawing me close.

“Happy anniversary,” I reply, unable to contain my excitement. “I’ve been waiting for this moment all week.”

He chuckles, kissing the corner of my lips. “Me too.” His warm breath tickles my skin as he speaks, and I can’t help but lean deeper into his arms, feeling the reassuring strength of his arms around me.

The gentle press of his lips against mine sends a shiver of delight down my spine, igniting a familiar spark of passion between us. Levi’s fingers find their way into my hair, gently tracing the contours of my scalp with a familiarity that brings a smile to my lips. He likes to do it, and it never fails to make me feel cherished and loved. His touch sends tingles down my spine, and I can’t help but close my eyes, savoring the sensation.

“These past three years with you have been the best years of my life,” he murmurs, his voice soft and filled with emotion. “I didn’t know what was missing until I met you.”

“Likewise,” I whisper, my heart overflowing with affection for this incredible man beside me. “I never knew true happiness until you came into my life.”

“You complete me,” he says. “What more could I ask for?”

“What if we added another member to the Brown family?” I ask, smiling sheepishly.

Levi’s eyes widen in disbelief, and his gaze locks with mine as if trying to decipher if I’m playing with him. “Are you serious?” he asks, his voice tinged with excitement and anticipation.

I nod eagerly, a smile spreading across my face. “I took a pregnancy test, and it came back positive. I wanted to wait to tell you until today. Happy anniversary,” I say, my heart fluttering with joy and nerves.

“Happy anniversary indeed,” Levi murmurs, his arms wrapping around me tightly. “I can’t believe it. We’re going to be parents.” Levi wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him as he leans down to plant a tender kiss on my tummy.

“Do you think it’s a girl or a boy?” I ask, my voice filled with curiosity.

Levi looks up at me, his eyes sparkling with love and excitement. “Honestly, I don’t care,” he says softly. “As long as we’re having a kid together, that’s all that matters to me.”

His words melt my heart, and I feel a surge of love for this man who has made me realize what true love means. “Happy anniversary,” I murmur again.

“Happy anniversary, baby.” As he claims my lips, I melt into his embrace. In this moment, surrounded by love and warmth, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

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