Page 80 of Second Chance Christmas

“I know. Just let me get through this. Okay? No peeking. Promise?”

He chuckled. She knew him well. “You have it.” The sound of rustling tempted a peek from him, but he kept his word.

“Okay, now.”

He had no idea what was under the tarp. Words didn’t come easy as he stood there and read the sign for the third, fourth time. “Ivy, what is this?”

“My new plan. Our new plan,” she added hesitantly.

He nodded toward the sign. “Aspen and Ivy’s Christmas Tree Farm,” he read aloud, still stunned by what they meant. The tension between his shoulder blades since walking away from her the previous night eased a notch. “Are you asking me on as a partner?”

“You can have your dream, Aspen and not do it alone. What do you say? Just thetreeof us.” She giggled at her own pun.

He turned determined eyes her way. “No.”

Her shoulders dropped and a little crease formed across her brow.

Aspen grabbed her hand between his and took a knee. The surprise in her eyes nearly made him stand back up but he bulldozed through his doubt. This time he would not miss this second chance. “Ivy Sunday Winters, I want to be more than a partner to you. I want to be your husband. For now, forever. To love you, hold you and make so many happy memories together our grandchildren will hear of our happy tales and strive for the same happiness. I want you as my Christmas bride.” He paused long enough to take the ring box from his pocket. He popped the lid and took it out.

“Yesterday, or even this morning I couldn’t tell you why I still have this in my pocket, but now I know. Ivy Sunday, will you marry me?”

He pressed his lips into a firm line, and didn’t dare breathe. Tears trailed down her cheeks and he stood, wiping them away.

“Aspen! Yes! Aspen, I’ll marry you!” She threw her arms around him and he twirled her.

“It’s snowing!” Ivy raised her face skyward and he held her tight, protected her as she took in the moment.

He looked down at her as he placed her feet firmly on the ground. “The only thing we’re missing now is mistletoe.”

“I don’t need mistletoe,” she said, smiling.

“Oh, what do you need, Mrs. Kennedy?”

No words, just action. She pulled him down and claimed his mouth. She melted into him and feeling her fit against him so perfect had his dick hard as steel. That would come later. Right now he needed to have her in his arms, feel her warm breath across his face and see her sweet expression fade to pure happiness.

She was his home, his forever and pure, sweet heaven.

Tiny barking and whimpering broke the magical spell and she pulled back from him.

“What is that?” He turned, and Ivy pulled from his arms.

“Oh.” She laughed and ducked around the corner. She popped back out, but wasn’t alone. “This is the newest addition to our family. Aspen, meet little Ollie. Little Ollie, meet Aspen.”

He accepted the bundle of energetic fur. “Little Ollie, huh?” He smiled and struggled to hold onto the guy as he lavished them with sloppy kisses.

She nodded. “Merry Christmas, Aspen.”

“Merry Christmas to you, baby. When I get you home don’t expect to be wearing any clothes until after the new year.” He pulled her in for another kiss. “You’ve given me more than I could have ever dreamed of.” He touched the ring on her finger with a gentle touch. “Your heart will forever be safe in my care.”

“I know.” She looked at him with complete and utter awe so much so it squeezed his heart and he made a promise to himself right then and there. His Christmas bride would never feel alone or unloved again. Not while he breathed. He had a second chance and he would move heaven and hell to make sure this time around they lived their happily ever after.

EPILOGUE

Ivy slipped the pages of her planner open to where the silk red ribbon marked the day. Three days ago she was New York bound. Now she was simply snowbound and engaged.

And so well sated she could barely walk. Her body hummed with pleasure and she couldn’t wait to get back upstairs and have Aspen ravish her all over again.

She looked around her and marveled at having a hunky fireman and a wonderful B&B filled with happy memories and ready to make many more. Somehow she saw this all going a bit differently when she boarded the plane to Dixen.

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