Page 113 of Must Love Bees
“It does?” She took the cards from him and ripped them in half.
“Astrid.” He tried to get the cards back. “I don’t want you to make a decision you’re going to regret.”
“What decision?” She tossed the cards over her shoulder. “I love you. There’s no decision to be made.”
“You can love a person and not act on it.” She had to understand.
“Why?” Her arms slid back around his neck. “This is the happiest day of my life, Charlie Driver. My heart is so full. You can try to change my mind all you want—it won’t work.”
“It won’t?” His arms circled her waist. “You’re certain? There’s nothing I can do or say to change your mind?”
“No.” She rested her hand against his cheek.
He had to be sure. “If you do—”
“Charlie.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “I promise you. I love you. That will never change.”
He crumpled against her, relief washing over him.
She tilted his head back. “I’ll show you, every day, so you’ll never doubt it.”
He crushed her against him. “You’ll teach me? How to love that way.”
“Oh, Charlie, you already do. I know it. Don’t be afraid to let the rest of our family know it, too.” She kissed one cheek, then the next.
He kissed her gently. He knew it wouldn’t be easy but, with Astrid by his side, it would be worth it. “I will never stop trying to deserve you.” His fingers ran through her hair.
Her smile was the most beautiful thing in the world. “I love you.”
“I love you.” He kissed her again. “And I always will.”
EPILOGUE
“ITHINKIT’SPERFECT.” Astrid held up the whisk, the chocolate brownie batter smooth as silk.
Nova peered into the bowl. She’d helped Astrid with each and every step and was quite proud of herself. “Looks good. Charlie?”
Charlie stopped loading the dishwasher long enough to take a quick look. “It looks right.”
Charlie doing the dishes was one of the many things Astrid found desirable about her new husband. His handiness in the kitchen was nothing compared to his exuberance in the bedroom. Astrid couldn’t wait to go to bed every night. “You have to taste it, Charlie.” Astrid held the whisk out. “That’s the only way to be sure.”
“Why do I feel like you’re up to something?” He cocked an eyebrow, but leaned in.
She pushed the whisk forward, leaving a big chocolate dollop on the end of his nose.
Nova shrieked with laughter. “Charlie, you have chocolate on your face.”
“What?” Halley looked up from her phone. “Ohmygosh.” She snapped a picture.
“You think you’re funny?” Charlie stepped closer, pinning Astrid against the counter. “Let me share.” He leaned forward and ran his nose across her forehead.
“Charlie.” Nova kept laughing.
Astrid held the bowl forward. “This could get messy.”
“Wait, wait.” Halley jumped up. “I promised Crissy I’d have brownies. Can you maybe have a food fight with something else?”
There was a knock on the door.
