Page 22 of Blind Date With a Cop
“I love you, Blake,” she whispers fiercely. “I love you so much it terrifies me, and I can’t deny it any longer.”
A sharp breath leaves my chest, and then I’m kissing her, deep and passionate.
When I finally pull back, I rest my forehead against hers. “I love you, too, Cassie. From the second I saw you, I’ve loved you. You’re it for me. My one. My always.”
“Even with swollen eyes, a stuffy nose, and blotches all over my face?” she laughs.
“Especially then,” I grin, brushing my thumb under her eye. “You’re mine in every way. And nothing—nothing—is ever going to change that.”
She exhales deeply and trembles before her lips curve into the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen. “Then I guess you’re stuck with me.”
“Forever,” I vow, kissing her again, gentler this time. “Forever, my sweet Cassie.”
She rests her head against my chest, curling around me, soft and sweet.
And I take the first full breath I’ve taken in a week.
With her, I’m whole.
I’m complete.
I’m home.
Epilogue
Cassie
The lounge sparkles with Christmas lights, every corner decked out in garland and bows. The Book Boyfriend Club has outdone itself this year.
Clara’s baked goods table is a masterpiece—gingerbread houses dripping with royal icing, perfectly frosted sugar cookies, and enough sparkle-dusted confections to put Martha Stewart to shame.
“Go sit with Gran,” I whisper to Rene, nudging her toward the front row. “I’ll be right there.”
I make my way to Clara’s table, unable to hold back the smile tugging at my lips. I hold out my left hand, showing off the glittering diamond that Blake slipped on my finger last night.
Clara clasps her hands together, her face lighting up. “Oh, honey, that’s beautiful. I’m so happy for you.” She winks. “Nan really did pick the perfect match, didn’t she?”
“She sure did,” I murmur, leaning in close. “But I’m hoping she can work her magic for my best friend, too. That’s why we’re here. I may have bribed Rene by telling her you were making more penis cookies.”
Clara laughs, setting down her piping bag. “Well then, bring her over. I’ve got something even better this time.”
I wave Rene over as Clara lifts the roof from one of the gingerbread houses, pulling out a small crocheted…something. My jaw drops. “What are those?”
“Penis warmers, dear. Built to size.”
I pick one up and nearly choke on a laugh. The yarn contraption dangles from my fingers as Rene moves in next to me. Clara presses one into her hand.
“Holy crap,” Rene blurts, holding it up. “This is huge.”
Clara beams. “It is a good size, isn’t it, dear?”
Before I can get my laughter under control, Nan calls the room to order, her voice carrying over the chatter. “Ladies, take your seats. Tonight, I want to remind us all of the importance of romance, friendship, and believing in happy endings—because as you can see by the diamond twinkling on our Cassie’s hand, they do come true.”
The crowd claps, and just as I’m about to sit, the back door opens.
Blake steps inside, tall and broad in his uniform, with his partner Sully right behind him. My heart does a little flip as he walks into the room.
“Good evening, ladies,” Blake’s voice booms across the room. “We received a call about a prowler.”
