Page 134 of Princess of Pride
I stepped into his arms, and he pulled me close, his warm hand low, heating the skin on my back. It was magical with the plants and the scent of citrus mixed with cinnamon for the holidays.
“This is our first Christmas as husband and wife.” He gazed into my eyes.
“It is.” I’d been so busy planning this I hadn’t even considered that. It wouldn’t officially be Christmas for five more days.
“I have somethingfor you.”
“Is this something in your pants?” I teased.
He twirled me, drawing a squeal from my lips. “That’s for later.”
I giggled.
He pulled me close. “This has never been given to anyone else, and it never will go to anyone but you.”
“Okay.” I sobered at how serious he sounded. “Should I be scared?”
“I told you, you never have to fear anything when you’re with me.”
I waited, my gaze locked with his, as the stars twinkled above us and the music filled me in the warmest way.
“I love you,” he whispered, and my heart stopped. “I never wanted to give my love to anyone or receive it, but you’ve made that impossible. I can’t imagine my life without you, nor do I want to. If saying this means I’ve cursed us, then I’ll have to protect you more fiercely. I’ll do whatever I must so no one ever takes this away.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I think you just freed yourself.”
“Do you?” He brushed his nose with mine.
“Yes,” I said our lips a breath apart. “And I think we’re going to live a long, beautiful life together.”
“Well, then, it must be true.” He pressed his mouth against mine in the commanding way he always kissed me.
Lachlan hugs me from behind, bringing me back to the present. “What are you thinking about my love?”
I smile. “Us and Christmas.”
“Future or past?”
I laugh. “Only you would ask a question like that.”
“What does that mean?”
I turn in his arms and face him, my hands going behind his neck. “It means you gather the facts before assuming anything, even when it comes to your wife.”
“Especially when it comes to my wife.”
“My wise husband.”
“My princess,” he murmurs in that deep voice and kisses me sensually.
I feel it everywhere. If we were here alone, I’d drag him inside or maybe just away from the rose garden and the spiritual audience, to have my way with him.
He breaks the kiss. “I need to excuse myself for a drink in private or else I’ll scare the guests away with the monster in my pants.”
I laugh again and release him. “I’ll go be a friendly host while you’re gone.”
He groans then smacks my ass and walks away.
I turn and catch my best friend watching us. She looks stunning in her blue dress the same shade as her blueberry eyes. She fans herself off, and I cover my face in embarrassment. The party is on the other side of the yard near the dock in case they want to sit under the covered awning or use the bathroom in the boathouse.
