Page 62 of Just One More Temptation

Noah walked into the room and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Are you ready?”

She inhaled, breathing in his sandalwood scent, familiar and calming. She nodded. “It feels like it’s been forever when in reality it’s only been six months since the fire.”

“It’s exciting that Clara was able to buy the entire piece of real estate on this corner and expand the gallery and paint ’n’ sip,” he said.

“It is exciting. We also have new employees to accommodate the larger business and many more up-and-coming artists.” Fallon and Clara were going to be overseers now, managers, and less hands-on. “And a fully staffed coffee bar. I can’t wait to see the patron response!”

“I know you’re consumed with the opening but I was hoping I could have your attention for a few minutes before the doors open.”

“Of course! You can have my attention any time.”

Since their newfound understanding, many changes had occurred. Fallon and Noah had sat down with the girls and discussed her moving in.

Their excitement knew no bounds and Noah had to call Charlie and wake her up to discuss the situation with her before the girls spilled the beans. As he’d told Fallon later, it was a good thing the girls’ mother hadn’t had an issue, since he’d blurted out his insistence that Fallon move in before running it by her.

Fallon met Noah’s gaze. “What’s up?” she asked, just as he dropped to one knee, pulled a small box from his pocket with one hand, and popped it open. “Fallon Sterling, will you do me the extreme honor of becoming my wife?”

“And our stepmom!” The girls, who she hadn’t noticed, came rushing up beside their father.

“Oh my God, Noah.” She took in the large, emerald-shaped diamond ring that stood out in a white gold setting. “This stone reminds me of my mother’s.” The happiness she felt having something similar to her beloved mother’s ring filled her up.

“That’s because it is hers. When I asked your father, he offered me her ring. And knowing how much you miss her, I couldn’t think of anything better. Now can you answer me before my knee goes out?”

“Noah, yes! Yes!” He rose and pressed a long kiss to her lips. When they broke apart, she focused on the girls. “I’m so honored to become your stepmom.” But she’d never try to take Charlie’s place and she hoped everyone, including their mother, knew that.

“Can we call you Momma Fallon?” Dylan asked.

“We wanted to say Mommy Fallon but Grandma said we’d outgrow saying Mommy and then what would we do?” Dakota said, quoting her more practical sister.

“I love you girls. You can call me whatever makes you comfortable and happy.” Her heart filled even more, threatening to overflow with pure, undiluted joy.

Clara joined them and wished them all the best. “Now, it’s time to open!”

Noah slipped the ring on her finger. He grasped her hand, taking Dylan’s in his free one while she grasped Dakota’s in hers. And as a family, they walked into the gallery to celebrate so many things.

Epilogue Two

Another Six Months Later

Noah waited forFallon to walk down the aisle escorted by her father. As he stood and looked over the crowd of family and close friends, he thought over the last year of his life, which had turned out better than he could have hoped for. The twins had adjusted to Fallon moving in easily and she’d stepped into the role of stepmom like a champ. She didn’t let them get away with their shenanigans but had a special way of dealing with them to avoid anger, tantrums or tears. Sometimes. They were kids, after all.

And it meant everything to him to fall asleep with her in his arms at night and wake up beside her in the morning. Now they’d make it legal before heading to Aruba for their honeymoon. The girls waited inside, dressed in light blue dresses, looking too old for his liking and utterly beautiful. Along with Brooke, they were Fallon’s maids of honor. Though she could have made them junior bridesmaids, she said she’d wanted to give them starring roles to show how important they were to her.

The music started and the processional began. Noah fidgeted in anticipation, appreciating those in the wedding party, especially his daughters who walked down side by side. No giggling, they were little ladies and he couldn’t be more proud.

They stood close by him, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen stood in a line on either side. Finally, the “Wedding March” began and the curtains at the end of the aisle parted. Fallon appeared, her arm hooked around her father’s, and they started down the aisle.

She took his breath away in a stunning, strapless gown fitted to her lithe body. One look at her and all he wanted was to sayI do,drag her into a private room, and ravage his wife.

He made it through the ceremony, speaking over the lump in his throat. He was touched by the sheen of tears in her eyes as he slipped the diamond band onto her finger beside her mother’s stone.

They were declared husband and wife and he pulled her into his arms, dipped her low, and kissed his bride. Hand in hand, they walked up the aisle to the cheers and whistles of their guests. A few short minutes later and he had her alone in the bridal room and pulled her into his arms.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Powers.”

She smiled, beaming, her face flushed. “Congratulations to you, Mr. Powers.”

“I thought the ceremony would never end. Now that you’re mine, I can breathe.”

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