Page 29 of Mountain Gift

I smile. "Better than I have in years."

For the first time in a long while, I actually slept through the night. No tossing, no turning. No nightmares.

Finally, I've found a sense of peace.

And it's because of him.

"You were wonderful," I tell him, feeling my cheeks warm a little at the admission. But I don't cower away or apologize.

He kisses my head again, right behind my ear. "You were, too. You're perfect in every way. Better than I deserve."

And for a moment, I feel the sting of tears in my eyes.

For the first time in years, it's not because of sadness. Or even self-pity.

It's from pure, unhindered joy.

"I feel the same way about you," I say into his neck.

This is what I've been missing. This man in my life. One who adores me so utterly and completely. So unabashedly.

How on earth did I survive these seven long years without it?

There is no power quite like knowing a sexy man thinks you're sexy, too.

Last night opened my eyes. As Boone held me in the darkened bedroom, the snow piling up outside the window and closing us in together, I realized how much I needed him.

His gentleness, his caring, and his devotion. But also his passion.

The way his body could move mine, awaken it with the simplest touch. I'd forgotten the power of physical love.

I never want to forget it again.

For the first time, the thought of moving on isn't a painful one. This new love, I feel, is not a betrayal of what I once had. Not at all.

It's me being allowed to finally live my life again.

For the first time in seven years, I am finally focused on the present.

And I couldn't be happier.

That afternoon,I have a video call planned with Lucy.

In preparation for it, Boone helps me move the sofa in front of the Christmas tree in the living room so that when I answer her call, it'll be framed perfectly behind me.

I'm not going to tell her about Boone just yet.

It's not that I don't want to tell her or that I'm afraid she won't like him. I just don't want to put that kind of pressure on either of them on Christmas.

What I have with Boone is still fresh. I want to keep him to myself as long as I can. If I can't bring myself to even tell my brothers, I can't tell Lucy yet.

She'll find out soon, once she gets back home. But for now, he's my little secret.

Boone sits next to me on the sofa and lays a hand lovingly on my thigh. I grasp his hand and smile at him. My new boyfriend.

Even the simple phrase makes me giddy all over again. I have aboyfriend.

"What's so funny?" he asks me, noticing the look on my face.

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