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“It’s not that. It’s just . . . I was hoping you would date Miss Cheyenne. Not some new person.”
I know sometimes you worry about me.” “But you said I shouldn’t worry.”
“Because it has to be the kind of love that’s real, not the kind that wears the fancy costume. Because that kind fades away, and she doesn’t want that.”
Just make sure you love her the right way.”
Everything was perfect. And just because there was nothing standing in the way of me being completely happy for the rest of my life didn’t mean something terrible was sneaking up behind me. That shadow was nothing. I could ignore it.
It’s been snowing all day and I want to scrape off her car. She mentioned yesterday how much she hates doing that in her work clothes.”
“Some things, you just know.”
I wanted her to live with us. I wanted to put up our own Christmas tree. I wanted to play Santa with her after our kids went to bed and then take her to our own bedroom, undress her, and wrap myself up in her warm, soft body and stay there all night, until our kids came flying into the room in the morning again to wake us up, squealing that Santa had come. I wanted to wash the wedding china with her after Christmas dinner. I wanted the wedding. I wanted it all. More than that—I could see it all.
Not only was I in love with her, I was in love with the future I’d imagined for us—and it could all be destroyed in an instant.
“You heard me. I want you to spend nights with me. I want to say goodnight to you in a warm bed, not freezing my ass off on this porch. I want to wake up next to you. I want to make you coffee in the morning and scrape the ice off your car windows and let you pick out all my party outfits.”
“I love her too. I know she isn’t my real mom, but this will be like having a bonus mom.”
“I’m the luckiest dad in the whole world. I love you, peanut.”
“Hey, is the rescue shelter open on Sundays? I was going to ask you if you’d like to go over there with me and see if there are any rescue dogs that might be a good fit for Mariah. Then maybe I can give her a picture on Christmas morning or something.”
“To happily ever after.” “Yes,” she said. “Amor vincit omnia.” “What does that mean?” She smiled. “Love conquers all.”
“He thinks he’s being a man, but he’s just being a coward,” I said irritably. “I get why, but it still sucks.”
“You told me a lie too.” I met her eyes. “What do you mean?” “You said you loved her the real way.” “I do love her the real way,” I insisted. She crossed her arms, pinning me with an accusing stare. “Then you wouldn’t have let her go.”
“Listen to me. I love you. I want a life with you, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to have it. Somehow I’ll find a way to prove it to you.”
“Cole Mitchell, you know damn well you’ve been the only boy for her since she laid eyes on you. Now go convince her she’s the only girl for you.”
“You’re home to me, Cheyenne. You’re family to me. The way you love me makes me want to be a better man.”
“My scars aren’t pretty, but if you want to see them, I’ll show them all to you.”
“It was always you, Cole.” “I get it now.” He kissed me softly. “I get you now. And I’ll never let go.”
You can’t wear a boring outfit to propose to Cheyenne.”
Will you marry me?”
I’d marry you tomorrow if you said you would.”
“Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell.”
