Page 28 of By Any Beans Necessary

"Clearing the air," he repeated, stepping closer. His warmth was a contrast to the chill, the space between them charged with possibility.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Her gaze lifted to meet his.

"Better than good," he murmured, his hand finding hers, fingers intertwining naturally.

"Like coming home," she confessed, her heart racing with the possibilities of what might come next.

"Exactly." His thumb brushed over her knuckles, sending tiny sparks up her arm.

"Jeff?" She tilted her head, hazel eyes searching his.

"Yeah?"

"Kiss me, you big idiot."

He did. It was a kiss that spoke of missed opportunities, of second chances. Soft and sweet, it was laughter and morning coffee. It was apologies whispered on the wind.

When they broke apart, Michelle's laugh was light, free. "Shall we go back inside before they send out a search party?"

"Let them wait," Jeff grinned, stealing another quick kiss.

"Okay, but just one more minute." She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"Or two," he agreed, wrapping his arms around her.

The cold air didn't seem to affect them as they stood there, lost in their own world. Jeff's heartbeat was soothing, a comforting rhythm that mirrored the calmness Michelle felt inside. She could stay like this forever, wrapped in his arms, feeling his warmth seep into her.

Eventually, they had to return to reality. With a sigh, Michelle pulled away, looking up at Jeff. His eyes were soft, filled with a warmth that sent her heart fluttering.

"I've missed this, Michelle," Jeff confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed us."

"I have, too, Jeff. I have, too. Let's try again."

Jeff's face broke into a wide grin. "I was hoping you'd say that because Michelle, I'm all in."

"Okay, let's go back inside and tell everyone the good news," she said, taking his hand and guiding him back through the patio doors.

Before they made it to the dining room, however, he stopped. "There's just one more thing I need to do."

"Oh, what's that?" she asked with a quirk of her eyebrow.

"This," Jeff whispered as he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was full of promise and hope for the future.

When they finally broke apart, Michelle felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the house and everything to do with the man standing in front of her. "You can do that any time you like."

"Good to know," he murmured with a chuckle.

As they made their way into the dining room, their friends looked up, grins spreading across their faces as they took in the reunited pair.

"About time," Hunter exclaimed with a clap of his hands.

"I knew it would work," Avery praised.

"Perfect plan," Jenesa added.

"Here's to new beginnings," Danny chimed in, raising his glass.

"New beginnings," Michelle echoed, her smile never brighter.

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