Page 114 of A Little Taste

They do a fist bump, and we spend the next hour discussing small-wedding options. I don’t want to do it on the beach. I don’t want to do it in a park. Then Alex offers the distillery, saying he’s been wanting to add an events line, and looking around the beautiful, wood and brass facility, it feels exactly right.

Later, as I’m crawling into bed with a sleeping Aiden, I rest my head on his chest thinking how much has happened, how much has changed since the day I blew into town with no brakes. It was a bit of a metaphor, since I haven’t stopped since.

My gorgeous fiancé rouses, turning and pulling me close, pressing his lips to my brow and my cheek, sending happiness sparkling through my veins.

“Did you have fun tonight?” His voice is laced with sleep, and I trace my fingernails softly up and down his muscled arm.

“I did. Alex suggested having the wedding at the distillery, and it sounds absolutely perfect.”

“Whatever makes you happy.” He kisses my lips as his hands drift under my thin sleep shirt, covering my breasts. “I’ve got what I want.”

“Mmm,” I exhale a moan, moving closer to his touch. “Your brother was my hero tonight.”

A low growl vibrates in Aiden’s throat. “I taught him everything he knows.”

It makes me laugh, and I turn onto my back, pulling him over me as heat filters through my body. “He’s got nothing on you.”

Our mouths collide, and we’re lost in sensations, touching, holding, tasting. His clean cedar scent surrounds me, and as our lips chase, deep satisfaction fills my soul.

I’ve found the place where my nightmares end, and my dreams come true. Aiden says I gave him magic, but he gave me what I needed most. I don’t dream of drowning now, and when my hands tremble, his strong ones cover them.

I left to try and find my life. An old vendetta, a dash of pixie dust, and a little taste of heaven brought me home. A lot of love means I’ll never leave again.

That’s the true magic.

* * *

AIDEN

The Next Day…

Never too late to try again.The white sign with blue lettering is nailed above the entrance to the gazebo in the square in front of the courthouse.

“It’s a nice sentiment.” Doug stands beside me, Krispy Kreme in hand, gazing up at it.

My arms are crossed, and I’m not sure what to think. “Maybe.”

Britt has her camera out taking photos of the sign, the ground around the small structure, and the bushes lining the stairs. “I don’t think it’s related to our last case. We got all those guys.”

“As far as we know.” I motion to Doug. “I want you to check this thoroughly for fingerprints.”

“We never find any. Whoever’s doing it must wear gloves.”

“Check it anyway.” Going to where Britt is carefully lifting branches, I lean down. “Find anything?”

“No.” She stands, chewing her lip. “This person knows how to cover their tracks.”

Scratching my fingers through my beard, I look around. Pedestrians slow to read the sign, nod or shrug, and continue on. At a glance, it appears harmless.

“It’s not a bad message.” She looks up at me.

Reaching out, I pull her close. I’ve got this girl, and she’s safe. That’s what matters to me, keeping her safe always. “We’ll keep an eye on it. In the meantime, we have a wedding to plan.”

Her nose wrinkles. “And several lifetimes to spend together?”

“Yep.” I kiss the top of her head, glancing at the sign once more.

It’s not too late to install security cameras, and I’ll be watching over her this time if someone wants to try again.

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