Page 96 of Love Under Snowfall

“Just like that?”

“Yes.”

“But why?” There was no way it could be that easy. Benjamin had only begun to grovel.

“Haven’t we been over this before? Because you mean it. What you’re saying isreal.”

Benjamin’s chest split wide from the way his heart swelled. He pulled Francesca into his arms and hugged her tightly. His hand swept into her hair, and he inhaled the lavender and eucalyptus scent he’d been longing to smell for months. She pushed slightly back from him and looked up then spotted the developing bruise on his jaw. Her eyebrow quirked as she tried to contain her humor.

“Who beat me to the punch?” She removed her glove and gently trailed a warm finger along the angry splotch. The heat was exquisite despite the tenderness of theraised lump.

“Oh, I’m sure you have an idea.”

“Miguel?” she teased.

“No, though I doubt he would have stopped at one.”

“Lucy?”

“No, but she definitely would have been the one to deliver the hit if she’d been there.”

“What did you say to my brother? He’s protective but not the punching type.”

“I told him what I did to you.”

Eyes flying wide, Francesca gasped. “In the cabin? Jesus, I’m surprised he didn’t run you through with a ski pole!”

“No, no,” he soothed, shaking his head and chaffing her arms, partially trying to calm her but also aiming to regain feeling in his chilly fingers. “I did tell him we slept together, but it was more about me leaving and not contacting you again. And, I guess, that I slept with his little sister.”

“Are things tense with you and Jon now?” She winced.

He allowed a husky rumble to slide from his lips while attempting to swallow the emotional lump that remained in his throat. Was it really that easy? Was she really going to put aside her hurt and forgive him for being cruel and dismissive? It was the last thing he deserved, but that didn’t mean he didn’t hope.

“Things might be weird for a short time, but I think hitting me vented most of his anger. He’s the one who told me where to find you and lent me the gear. And this sweet beanie.”

Swatting at the poof sitting limply at the top of the hat, she grinned.

“So what comes next?”

“Well, that’s the thing. Now that I run my own law firm, I can technically work from anywhere. I’m licensed in Washington state, so I can settle down wherever. Seattle, Wenatchee, Leavenworth. There will be work regardless of where Igo. For now, I plan to stay in Seattle to be near my . . .” He gestured to her, not sure yet what he should refer to her as. “I figure we can take it day by day from there.”

Smiling, she leaned closer. Benjamin shuddered at her warm breath on his lips.

“I meant . . .now. What should we do right now?” The molten amber of desire swirled in her eyes. He didn’t deserve her forgiveness, not that easily. He deserved to suffer, to wait out in agony for weeks before she decided to put him out of his misery. Yet there she was, welcoming him with open arms, just like that. He vowed then and there to be everything she deserved.

He lowered his lips to hers, slanting over the plump heat of her mouth. God, that sweet taste of her solidified everything for him. She was where he belonged. She made him better, made him want to be better. And the least he could do was be everything she needed, happily, for as long as she wanted.

Epilogue

Three months later, Seattle: Frankie

Frankie was running late.

At least it wasn't her goofy flip-flops tripping her up this time.

She glanced down at her polished toes, noting the cherry red perfectly matched the lingerie set she wore underneath her sensible black dress. The scandalous set was meant to be a surprise after the ceremony, but when Benji walked in on her a couple hours ago just as she snapped the last garter in place, the surprise was ruined. She struggled to find even a shed of disappointment in her spoiled plan, but flashes of him laboriously exploring every exposed inch before delving beneath the lacy fabric left her with nothing but a matching flush on her cheeks.

Where is he?

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