25 Days

She slid her hands over my chest and clasped them behind my head. "I do."

My heart almost stopped in my chest. I had to look like an idiot, but I was shocked into silence. She had half of the mansion and I had half too...

"So you're staying here with me?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"Yes, baby. If you'll have me."

I leaned in and kissed her with every ounce of fear and worry, every drop of love and desire I had for her. We tumbled over, and I rolled on top of her, pi

She was staying, she wanted to be mine, and she had purchased the mansion I wanted to build my dreams on since I was a boy.

I broke the kiss and closed my eyes, panting softly above her lips. "This can't be happening."

"It is, baby. My father gave me the money for my clothing line, but I'm going to invest it in refurbishing the mansion. Let's build the lodge you want and open a new resort here together."

"Chloe." I stared into her eyes. "Baby, that money is for you, and you have dreams that aren't here in Colorado."

"And things change. I realized when you rolled your damn self down that hill that all I wanted was a chance at something great with you. If that's here, then it's here. My dreams have shifted. I just need you to say yes. To me. To us. To this."

"Hell yes to all of it. I'm blown away." I moved back down to kiss her again and didn't stop until my father pushed at my butt with his foot.

"Breakfast is ready, and I'm pretty sure I taught you better than to drag some pretty girl to the floor and make out with her." My Dad pushed at my butt again, and I gri

"She likes it. Ask her." I moved back a little.

"I love it. I love him." Chloe smiled and pulled me back down, showing my old man a thing or two.

He was never going to believe what this woman had done for me. Hell, I couldn't believe it.

I was ready to give up every dream I'd had for the last twenty-seven years to see hers come true, and she turned the tables on me. She worked magic deep inside of me and repaired parts of me that I didn't think would heal. There would be a day not too far in the future that I would ask her to be my bride, and then we'd start a family together.

"I love you so crazy much, you incredible woman." I ran my hand through her hair and smiled down at her.

"How about you show me just how much tonight in that big comfy bed of yours."

"Oh I plan to. Let's eat these pancakes and get out of here. I ain't had nearly enough of you."

She smirked, and I growled.

"Don't even say it," I mumbled against her perfect mouth.

"I ain't." She pulled me back down and stifled my laughter with her soft tongue and long, hot kiss.

Epilogue

One Year Later

Chloe

The last year had been magical. Living with Fi

Fi

Parker started taking free lessons from Fi

Fi

My father met someone at Clark and Milly's wedding that they all went to school with and he'd been dating her for the last three weeks. She's sweet and reminds me a little too much of mom, but I've kept my thoughts to myself on it.

The lodge that my father purchased for me to fix up is fully functional, the doors having opening in late October. Parker works in the ski shop and I spend most of my days working on various designs for the clothing store that's nestled into the side of it. Fi

It was Christmas once again, but unlike last year, this year, we were all healthy and happy. Fi

"I'm excited. Everyone around the table together? It's going to be great." I squeezed his thigh, and pressed my lips against his arm.

"Me too, baby." He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and tugged me in tighter.

We still had the old truck, namely because he wouldn't part with it. I think he enjoyed the fact that I could sit right against him and not more than one person could fit on the other side of me.

"I had the kitchen prepare a bunch of different stuff, just in case everyone had different traditions." I moved to my side of the truck as we pulled up to the lodge.

"It's going to be great, Chloe. Go on up there, and I'll meet you shortly. I want to see if anyone needs help with bags or anything."

I nodded and got out of the car, jogging up the stairs and letting the beauty of the Christmas lights against the large snowy mountains take my breath away. I'd learned to love Colorado, not the cold, but the serenity and beauty it offered. I had loads of jackets and various sweaters that I'd designed with functionality in mind and then fashion. They sold like crazy, but the best part was wearing them myself and enjoying a ride down the slopes with my man in them too.

The smell of pumpkin pie and roasted meat filled my senses when I walked into the main hall, and I paused to look around. It was odd to see the place empty, but Fi

I agreed readily and now I was glad I did. Warmth enveloped me and strong emotions washed over me. My life was nothing like I'd expected and yet so much better than I could ever imagine.

"Chloe..." Fi

"What, baby?" I stood in stony silence, feeling like something was upon me, but not knowing what.

"I wanted our family and friends to be here tonight for a special reason." He smiled and moved to stand in front of me, taking my hands and leaning down to brush his lips past mine.

"What reason is that?"