Page 78 of Declan
“No, of course not. Whatever you want.”
“We have never discussed marriage, Declan. You didn’t ask me to marry you.” She raised an eyebrow.
He grinned. “I will.”
Elise laughed. “Okay. I want kids. A bunch of them.”
Declan groaned. “I knew it. You’re going to kill me.”
She grinned. “But what a way to go. Okay, what is Frankie a nickname for?”
Declan laughed. “I suppose I can tell you now. It’s Francesca.”
“That’s so pretty.”
“Yeah, it is, but she hates it.”
“Most people don’t like their full names. I do, but I’ve always gone by Elise.”
“I love either one for you. Let’s get some sleep. I haven’t slept much since you’ve been gone and with the snow falling outside, it’s a nice day to take a nap.”
“Only if you make a fire in this fireplace.”
“Anything for you, love.” Declan got out of bed, pulled a pair of sweatpants on, and built a fire. “Do you have luggage in the SUV?”
“Yes.”
“Alright, let me get my jeans on, then I’ll get it.”
“I’ll help.” She looked at him. “I’m not leaving here, Declan.”
He grinned. “I know.”
“I’m a little hungry now.”
“There’s a box of chocolate chip cookies on the kitchen counter.” He grinned.
“Your weakness,” Elise said with a laugh.
Declan walked to her, cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes.
“My weakness is you.” He leaned down and kissed her lips.
“Just like you’re mine and always will be.” Elise smiled when he grinned, then they took a shower and took a nap, just happy they were together.
The next day, though it was still snowing, the sun was peeking through the clouds as they walked among the trees on Richards Christmas Tree Farm.
“This is so great. The trees are all so beautiful,” Elise said.
“It’s hard to pick one. I get a tall one since my ceilings are so high.”
“Where do you put it?”
“In the corner by the fireplace in the living room.”
“I bet it will look gorgeous.”
After finding a tree, Declan had one of the workers cut it down, then take it to be wrapped. They entered the big white tent where Declan introduced Elise to Paige and Nick Richards and got hot chocolate.
