Page 46 of Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa

The man took her around to the back door, unlocked it, and Marina slipped inside.

The morning sun was now beginning to lighten up the walls of the kitchen and family room after she passed through the rear door.

All was quiet and still. Wade was probably waking up by now, but she hoped she didnotsurprise him in the shower.

Tiptoeing past the dusky foyer, she moved down the main hallway slowly, passing the library/office to a set of double doors at the end. They had to lead to the master bedroom.

The doorknob was unlocked. Carefully holding onto the mug so it didn’t leak the piping hot cocoa, she slipped into the room. Hopefully, she didn’t give him a heart attack.

When she turned the corner away from the dark bathroom, she finally saw him lying under the sheet, a blanket pulled up halfway. His torso was bare, his chestnut brown hair tousled. Long eyelashes lying against his cheek.

She gulped at the beauty of the man while her heart thumped wildly.

Moving closer, she perched on the edge of the king-sized bed. The mattress sighed ever so softly. Her hands shook with nerves, wondering if she was doing the right thing. Maybe he didn’t want to see her after all for anything except work related business.”

All at once, Wade turned over as if sensing a presence. Then his eyes opened and instantly found hers, a jolt of surprise rushing across his face as he reached out to place a warm hand against her cheek.

“Is it really you, Marina?” he said in his low, deep voice, pushing himself up against the pillow.

A thrill rose up her throat while she grinned like a goofball. “It’s time to wake up and have your morning cocoa, Mr. Kennedy,” she said, holding the mug brimming with whipped cream and marshmallows. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Yes, it is,” he told her softly, “But I’m not looking at the hot chocolate.”

Marina’s lips twisted into an embarrassed smile. “I’m going to set this down right here,” she said, placing it on the nightstand, “so it doesn’t spill. But it’s the best cocoa in the world, and you need to drink every drop,” she added with a quick laugh.

“With pleasure,” Wade said, his smile broadening as he grasped her hands in both of his. “You bringing me cocoa in bed is brilliant, you know. I love it. So many memories . . .” his voice was soft and seductive. “The best memories. You were always so adorable in the morning with your cute messy hair and sleepy eyes.”

“But I never missed a day of class, thanks to you.”

“Only because I loved you.” He paused, gazing at her while a finger traced a line along her face and then gently over her lips. “I still love you, Marina. I don’t think I ever stopped.”

Her lips trembled with a whirl of emotions. “I never thought I’d hear those words again. I love you, too. So much, Wade Kennedy. You’re my soul mate, my best friend.”

“Will you forgive me for listening to the rest of the world telling us we were too young and inexperienced to know what we wanted?” he asked now. “That wewanted to build a life together, even if it was slow and hard. I’ve felt guilty ever since. Like I threw you to the wolves of life. You’ve gone through a lot of pain and loss, and I wasn’t there to share it with you. And I missed you through all the ups and downs I experienced too!”

“But we are here now, like a miracle,” she said in wonder while she kissed the back of his fingers, one by one. “We never have to be apart from our best friend again.”

“Best friends. Yes, we were. But so much more. You are as beautiful and funny and kind as ever,” Wade said, pulling her closer into his arms. “I adore you.”

When he spoke the words, tiny tears dropped from her eyes. He smiled gently at her, and in that smile, she saw love and hope, and all her dreams coming true.

Wade reached up to wipe the tears away and Marina laid her cheek against the warmth of his skin, sure that heaven had just dropped down from the skies to engulf them both.

“I don’t want to wait any longer to be together with you. Let’s get married. The sooner the better. How about today?”

She pressed a hand against her chest and teased him. “Why, Mr. Kennedy, this is so sudden,” she said in a Southern Scarlett O’Hara accent.

“Okay, woman, no more teasing. Come here and kiss me. I’ve waited too long to feel your lips on mine.” He paused for a moment, a wild idea in his eyes. “I suppose we can get married next week, but no later.”

“Just don’t give me Lydia’s diamond ring,” she told him, widening her eyes to torment him.

“Never! I’m not a cad.”

“Well, okay, then, just double checking.”

Wade grinned mischievously. “I let Lydia keep it. She’ll probably sell it and buy a mink coat.”

“Let’s have a toast to mink coats!” Marina cried out with a silly giggle. “On second thought, maybe I’ll make you go to Great Britain and find an antique diamond ring from the Queen Mother’s collection.”

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