Page 95 of Single All the Way

“He could use a woman in his life,” Ben said with a laugh.

“What about West?” I asked.

“He took off a few minutes ago, saying he wanted to relieve his babysitter.”

“And avoid the New Year’s kiss pressure?”

“That’s my guess. His ex messed him up. Or rather, messed his girls up. He’s gone cautious to an extreme.”

“I guess that’s not a bad thing. Good for him for putting his kids first.”

The music segued into “Heaven” by Bryan Adams. I stopped thinking about all our single friends and nestled my head into my husband’s chest, letting gratitude permeate every inch of me. I was so lucky to have this strong, loving, beautiful man. Tonight and for the rest of our lives.

Before the song was over, an army of servers scurried through, weaving around couples on the dance floor, passing out plastic flutes and filling them with champagne.

There were also people passing around noisemakers and horns, but with my drink in one hand and my attention focused on my husband, I had no need for anything extra. My celebrating this year was inside of me, in my heart and my soul.

“You ready?” Ben said, his empty hand at the small of my back, pulling me flush against him again.

“I’m so ready.” I signaled my double meaning with my eyes.

He seemed to understand my message as he bowed his head close to my ear and growled.

“Here we go, folks,” Adrian said into the microphone. “Ten, nine, eight…”

We joined him in the countdown, my gaze locked with Ben’s as if making our second lifelong promise of the day to each other.

“Happy New Year!” everyone yelled as my lips locked with my husband’s.

Our kiss went on for a good long while as we meshed our bodies together in the same way we’d meshed our lives together.

When we finally drew apart, I caught sight of Chance and his mystery girl out of the corner of my eye as they slipped out the ballroom entrance.

With a distracted smile, I peered up at my love. “Happy New Year,” I said, running my palm over his bearded jaw.

“Happy New Year, love of my life.”

We kissed again, this time a quick brush before he pulled back and added, “I’ve never felt so excited to dive into a new year as I do tonight. Because of you. I love you, Ems.”

“I love you back.”

“I love our life. Our chaotic, never-quiet, kid-filled, animal-filled, love-filled life.”

“I do too,” I said, my heart overflowing with love. “Like I never would’ve thought I could love the craziness. But I do one hundred percent. And Ben?”

“Mm-hmm?”

“If you take me upstairs right now, I’ll show youhow muchI love it—and you.”

With an irresistible smile as he peered down at me, he said, “As you wish.”

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