Page 91 of Yuletide Acres

I can’t help it. I grasp her face, pulling her into a kiss. “My Sunshine.”

“I think the kiss is supposed to happen afterward,” Troy remarks with a wry smile, earning chuckles all around.

“A great kiss is welcome anytime,” Poppy reminds him, sending him a wink as we stand in front of the Justice of the Peace. “This seems like a traditional wedding,” she whispers as I clutch her hands.

“It is. He’s the Justice of the Peace. I told you I knew a guy. The marriage certificate is right there. You still in?”

Her smile widens. “All in, D.”

* * *

When I left the house this morning, I was terrified that Poppy would choose freedom over love.

I’ve never been so glad to be wrong. Totally and utterly wrong.

Because tonight, as I enter my house, Poppy is by my side.

But more importantly, she’s mine. This incredible woman is my wife. Sometimes, you have to trust in the universe’s grand plan.

I worried I would never see Poppy again after I abandoned her in the desert. After years of searching and many more years wishing on every star to find her, I lost hope.

Turns out hope found me. So did Poppy. Once she had, I knew I’d never let her go again.

My mother takes Marissa for the night, leaving me and Poppy to consummate the love we kindled so long ago. Only this time, we’re connected on every level.

I stroke Poppy’s skin, loving the feel of her naked body against mine.

“What was your Yule wish?” Poppy inquires, her fingers tracing random designs on my chest.

“You. It’s always been you.”

She climbs up my body, her lips capturing mine as she straddles me. “Well, Mr. West, since you have me, whatever will you do with me?”

Wrapping my hands around her hips, I sink into her warmth, groaning at the sheer pleasure of being inside her. “Mrs. West, the possibilities are endless. But I promise, you’ll enjoy every one.”

Don’t get me wrong. Every single time with Poppy is incredible. But this time, with all the doubt and uncertainty stripped away, we attain new heights.

I am hers, and she is mine.

* * *

Istir in the middle of the night, noting that Poppy isn’t beside me. Sitting up, I see her outside on the balcony, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders to ward off the bitter cold.

I join her, shivering at the icy blast of air. “What are you doing out here?”

Poppy turns, drawing me into a deep kiss, releasing a sated moan when we part. “Hi, D. Sorry to wake you.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m perfect. I was talking to Merry, and my folks, and our baby. Thanking them for watching out for us.”

“We’ve got a lot of angels in our corner.”

“That we do.”

I wrap my arms around her, gazing up at the starlit sky. “After a million moments without you, you’re in my arms again. Now, I want to get started making our memories.”

She recaptures my lips, her mouth more demanding as her arms wind around my neck.

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