Page 61 of Snowbound Surrender
He surged to his feet and captured her lips in a kiss that spoke of love triumphant, of second chances and new beginnings. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard.
“I love you,” she said against his lips. “I’ve loved you since the moment we met, and I’ll love you until the day I die.”
“And I love you,” he replied, sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her toward the small bedchamber beyond. “Desperately, completely, forever.”
The fire cast dancing shadows on the walls as he laid her gently on the bed, his hands reverent as they traced the curves of her face, her throat, her shoulders. This time there was no desperation, no stolen passion born of misunderstanding. This was love freely given, hearts fully committed, futures intertwined by choice rather than circumstance.
“Are you certain?” he asked, pausing even as his fingers worked at the fastenings of her gown. “After everything you’ve endured?—“
“I’m certain,” she said, drawing his head down for another kiss. “I’m home, Nicholas. Here, with you…I’m finally home.”
Outside, the snow fell steadily, transforming the world into something clean and new. And in the warm sanctuary of the pavilion, two hearts that had been broken apart by cruel circumstance finally, truly, became one.
The storm that had brought them together would always be part of their story. But this time, they would weather it together, and emerge stronger for having survived the trial. This time, nothing would tear them apart.
This time, love would be enough.
