Page 24 of Mountain Gift

Boone notices my change in mood, his fingers gently sifting through my hair.

"What are you thinking about, baby?" he murmurs.

"Lucy," I admit, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I thought I was ready for this, but it's so hard."

He nods, squeezing me a little tighter. "Have you talked to her today?"

A smile lifts the corners of my mouth. "Yes, I called her earlier. She's having a blast with her cousins."

"That's great," he murmurs, pressing a comforting kiss to my forehead. "I'm glad she's having fun."

I rest my head against his shoulder and look up at him. "But enough about me. What are you thinking about?"

Boone looks down at me, and his gaze softens.

"I was thinking that this is the best Christmas I've ever had."

"Really?" I ask him.

"Really."

His words send a rush of warmth through me. It's as if a soft blanket has been draped over my heart, providing a comfort that is both familiar and exhilarating. I feel cherished, valued. I feel…

"I love you so much, Caroline," Boone says, his voice filled with raw emotion, echoing the sincerity in his eyes.

But instead of responding in kind, I find myself asking, "But why? I'm such a mess."

I feel a pang of guilt for pushing him away, for denying us both the happiness we deserve.

Boone smiles at me and cuddles me closer. "I love you because you're you. And you're not a mess. You've just been through a lot. You're being cautious. I get that."

His words seep into me, soothing my insecurities. His acceptance, his understanding, it all means so much to me.

"I love you too, Boone," I whisper back.

As I look into his eyes, I see a future filled with love and understanding. It's a future I want to be a part of.

Boone grins at my words. "Come here, sweetheart," he says.

Then he dips his head down and kisses me.

His lips are full and soft as he slants his mouth over mine, stroking his tongue into my mouth in a way that makes me ache between my legs.

Then his lips move along my jaw, planting gentle kisses all the way down the curve of my neck.

I thread my fingers through his hair.

He licks into the hollow of my throat as his thumbs brush against my nipples through the thin fabric of my sweater. Quickly, they tighten into hard points, and I moan at the feeling.

"Boone," I say with a breathless whisper. "That feels…really good."

"You have no idea how bad I want you, Caroline," Boone groans as he drops his forehead to mine. "Can I touch you more, baby? Please?"

The rough sound of his voice sends another tingle of pleasure to my core.

"Yes, please touch me more."

Boone leans me back so that I'm lengthwise on the couch with my back against the pillows. He kisses between my breasts as he pops the buttons of my sweater one by one.

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