Page 87 of The Inn Dilemma

A strong yet soft hand slides down my arm. Nova stares up at me, that smile I’ve always loved lighting up her face. I can’t help but bend down to place a kiss to her lips. Titan and Tootsie both bark, making sure I knowthey are also present. Nova knew this would be one of my last mornings at this house alone and gave me a little more time than usual to come out and bring the pups before setting up for the grand opening party.

“This is absolutely…spectacular,” she whispers, then nuzzles into my side.

There’s a chill in the early morning air that reminds us that winter is right around the corner. I’m grateful for Tootsie’s warmth as she leans against my leg. Titan sits dutifully on the other side of Nova, his new favorite human.

“Thank you for helping me make this dream a reality.”

Nova motions with her free hand toward the cabin. “I didn’t do this. This was all you.”

Tootsie and Titan trot off to take their places on their doggy beds on the porch. I pull Nova into a full hugand bend down to bury my face in her hair, breathing in her calming scent and soaking in the feel of her in my arms. I place a gentle kiss on her neck, and her girly giggle brings a smile to my lips.

When I lean back, I make sure to keep my arms firmly around her. “This was a community effort. But you, my SuperNova, were the one who took my ideas and transformed them into this reality.” I love the way her cheeks turn pink.

“It’s been my pleasure. I’ve loved every second of this process.” She turns to face the massive cabin once more. “Even on the hard days, I knew this day would be worth it.” A smile is on her lips as her eyes scan the building. She paces a few steps away, taking in each of the areas around us where the boys will learn different life skills: a garage to show them how to change oil, a tire, and other basic carmechanics; a firepit and wood pile where they’ll learn how to split wood and build a fire. As well as other areas designed to teach other life skills. “You are going to change lives here.”

“Weare going to change lives here. You’ve already transformed mine.”

A shy smile curves her lips. “I have?”

I bridge the gap between us and wrap my arms around her once more. “You know you have.”

“And you’ve changed mine. This last year has been incredible.”

Just before I can touch my lips to hers, Tootsie jumps up and barks, Titan quickly copying. They wait until the quads and side-by-sides are parked before darting over to the ATVs and greeting our friends.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Thor asks, helping Clover from the back of his quad.

Nova tucks her head against my chest, hiding what I know to be completely red cheeks.

“Drats,” I whisper, then place a kiss on top of her head. “I guess our moment of privacy is gone.”

She tilts her head back and laughs. It’s not a soft giggle; it’s a full-blown guffaw. She stumbles back and bends over, resting her hands on her knees as she tries to gather her composure.

Roxy gets out from the driver’s side of the side-by-side and I’m wondering why she drove until I see the baby girl Christian is wearing in a baby carrier on his chest. The couple looks from me to Nova with curious expressions.

Caius, Tallulah, Des, Maya, Thor, and Clover all stop what they’re doing to stare at the spectacle that is Nova Price.

It’s as if she doesn’t even notice them. “Did you just say drats?” She puts the word in air quotes.

“I did.” I scratch the back of my head, feeling my ears heat.

Nova takes a step back and rests her hands on her slender hips. “When did you start using such foul language, Mr. Graves?”

I lean down and rest my forehead against hers. “Since my friends just interrupted a moment I was sharing with my girl.”

She shivers. “Your girl. I like that.” Her eyes drop to my lips. “A lot.”

I hum low in my throat and wrap my arms back around her as if we’re alone once more. “Me too.” Then I kiss her.

Christian clears his throat, and when I look over his sister’s head to meet his narrowed gaze, he looks less intimidating than normal as he wears a pink carrier and sways back and forth. I can tell he’s only giving us a hard time for his own entertainment.

“If you two wouldn’t mind, I think it would be good if we got everything set up.”

Nova jumps out of my hold. “Sure thing, Boss Man.”

Then, out of nowhere, she rises to her tiptoes and kisses her brother’s cheek. Chris looks as shocked as I feel, then he narrows his eyes at his sister.

“When did she get so affectionate?” Chris asks, I assume rhetorically.

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