Page 36 of Puck, Marry, Thrill

“Boucher is really nice…”

“Kenneth, it’s fine.” She tried to smile, to sound supportive, but disappointment sat like a stone in her stomach.

“I don’t want it to affect you being comfortable in our new home.”

She swallowed hard, trying to collect herself. She wanted to tell him it wasn’t just about space—it was aboutthem. She had imagined, just for a moment, that they were ready to take that next step, to lean into what this could become. But now… now she wasn’t sure.

“And I don’t want it to affect you wearing that gown tonight,” he added in a husky tone, and her eyes lifted to meet his.

There was a flicker of something unmistakable in his gaze. Longing. Need. Hope.

“Maybe we can talk more later once the boxes are put away, and I’ve cleaned out someplace for Boucher to sleep. It’s a lot of change, but I want you to be happy here with me.”

That…thatmade her heart ache. Because beneath his practical words was a man offering her a piece of his heart. He wanted her here. With him. Not just in the house—butwith him.

She stared at him, drinking in the sincerity written all over his face. He wanted to try. He was showing up in his awkward, beautiful way, trying to build something with her.

When had anyone ever chosen her like this?

Not just once—but again and again?

“I don’t mind… and I’m glad we are talking about this,” she whispered, her voice trembling with everything she couldn’t quite say. “I cannot wait to try this on—or try any of that lotion.”

“I hope you like your gifts.”

Jamie clutched the satin fabric tighter against her chest, her fingers trembling slightly as the delicate material bunched beneath her grip. Her breath caught in her throat, emotion flooding her system with an intensity that almost brought her to her knees. Everything in her life—the heartbreaks, the loneliness, the doubts—had somehow led her to this moment. To him. He was standing right there, and he was real. Tangible. And more than that… he was hers.

He was the real gift.

Tears shimmered in her eyes as her gaze met his, the words catching in her throat as she realized what he was offering wasn’t just silk and ribbon—it was his heart. His trust. His love.

And somehow, impossibly, against all odds…

“I do,” she whispered, stunned by the certainty in her voice. The words had come without hesitation; like her soul had spoken before her mind could catch up.

His lips quirked upward, the smallest smile appearing on his face. “Then I guess I’m on the right path, maybe?”

Jamie felt her heart twist in her chest at the vulnerability in his tone. His voice was hopeful, unsure, like he was asking for permission to believe in something beautiful again. She nodded, emotion clogging her throat.

“Very.”

He exhaled deeply, and she watched as the tension in his shoulders eased. His eyes—those expressive, dark eyes—remained locked on hers, unguarded. They were full of things he hadn’t yet said aloud. She saw it all: the fear of being hurt again, the ache of past betrayal, and the fierce, trembling hope that maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.

“Good,” he said openly, his voice steady but raw with feeling. “If you’re okay with little things here or there – I like giving them. It makes me feel good to treat you if you don’t mind.”

Jamie’s lips parted as she tried to find words strong enough to match the emotions swelling in her chest. He wasn’t just talking about gifts—she knew that. The sweetness of his gesture went far beyond the silk in her hands or the carefully planned surprises. These were tokens of devotion. Personal. Intimate. They were love, wrapped in a thousand tiny packages.

“I love surprises, and these are wonderful ones… gifts for both of us,” she whispered throatily, her voice thick with emotion. She saw the flicker in his eyes—recognition. He understood that she got what he meant by that gift… and that she sawhim. That she saw this for what it was: not obligation or showmanship, but tenderness—a giving of himself.

“Then I’ll make sure you always have a little something special… forus.”

Jamie couldn’t help the smile that curled her lips, wide and heartfelt. Her pulse raced, blood roaring in her ears as the next words slipped from her mouth, bold and full of joy.

“Gift away…husband.”

The moment the word left her lips, she felt a shift between them—something soft and seismic all at once. They were going to try to change the dynamics between them… tonight. Kenneth’s eyes widened slightly, then darkened with emotion as he dragged in a sharp breath. A visible shiver rolled through him like he’d been struck by the weight of it all.

Jamie held onto the gown tighter, not to shield herself but to keep from running to him, flinging herself into his arms like a starved woman. Her skin tingled. Her heart pounded so fiercely she was sure he could hear it. The depth of what she felt scared her—but more than that, itthrilledher.

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