Page 36 of Losing Hope

“This has been a weekend of firsts for me.” He kissed the top of her head. “One I’ll never forget.”

“Me neither.” She spoke quietly.

“First time I broke down in Vermont.”

“First time I picked up a stranger on the side of theroad.”

“Ah, but what a good-looking stranger he was, right?”

She turned her head up to him and smiled, tickling him in the ribs as she did. “Eh, he’sokay.”

“First time I carved my name on a covered bridge.”

She turned out of his arm and moved so she was facing him. “First time I had my name carved on a covered bridge.”

“First time I saw the Northern Lights.”

Her face screwed up a moment while she tried to think of another first. Before she could answer, his lips were on hers in a tender kiss and he was whispering against her. “First time I’m telling you that I loveyou.”

“What?” Her question came out in a surprised whoosh as her eyes flew up to meethis.

He leaned down and placed another tender kiss against her lips before speaking again. “I think I’m in love withyou.”

“Oh my God.” Her hand brushed over her lips softly where his just were as she looked up at him again, wonder in her eyes. “I think I’m in love with you, too.”

Hope groanedin protest at being shaken gently. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Her cheeks rose lazily as soft lips brushed against hers. “Morning, Sleeping Beauty.” Hair was lifted away from her eyes as they fluttered reluctantlyopen.

“What time is it?” she mumbled grumpily, meeting his sparkling greengaze.

“It’s almost eleven. You slept late.” The aroma of strong coffee had her inhaling deeply and moving to sit up, hands reaching out for the magic elixir.

He chuckled and placed a steaming cup carefully in her grasp. “It’s hot and has too much sugar and cream, just the way you likeit.”

“You really are my Prince Charming.” Smiling gratefully at him, she blew on the hot liquid before taking a slow sip. More groaning. “So good. Thankyou.”

“Welcome.” He turned toward the window, nodding his head. “Pouring out. Weather says it’s going to last allday.”

Turning her head to look at the rain splashing against the windows, she sighed. “Guess we aren’t going sailing today.” She looked back at him, a sad smile on her face. “Sorry. I really wanted to take youout.”

He shrugged and grinned, eyebrows rising. “I can think of plenty of other things we can do.” His hand reached out, gently took the mug from her fingers, and placed it on the bedside table.

“Oh, really.” She grinned right back. “Likewhat?”

Waggling his eyebrows and displaying a feral grin, he pounced on top of her, showing her exactly what he meant as he crushed his lips tohers.

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