Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

Cassie rushed up the stairs and into the bathroom. Though it hurt to realize how much pain could’ve been avoided the past six years, she knew Easton was right; they had to let it go. They’d both learned and would appreciate each other even more. She had Presley and she’d never change that for the world, no matter what she’d missed out on with Easton or the nightmare of being married to Baxter.

She blew her nose, brushed her teeth, and sprayed on some Spring Poppies body splash. She looked at herself in the mirror and grinned. Presley made her happy every day, but she hadn’t felt this rush of excitement and heady desire combined with love for the most enticing cowboy on the planet in years. Not since the last time she felt it with Easton.

Dropping to her knees, she prayed in gratitude that Easton had never cheated on her, that her angst was gone, that she could trust and love him.

She sprang to her feet, pulled open the bathroom door, and glided down the stairs. She felt light and happy, unburdened. Everything was fresh and new, thrilling.

Easton paced the living area. He stopped and turned, his blue eyes searching hers. “Is everything okay?”

Cassie hated that he seemed apprehensive. She’d pushed him away and blamed him for so many years. Now just noticing the color of his shirt and one phone call and her entire world had flipped upside down in the best possible way. Of course she wished they had solved this years ago, but she chose to focus on savoring every moment with him now.

“Yes.” She smiled, stopping on the bottom step. “I wasn’t going to kiss you with my nose running from my crying session.”

Easton returned her smile. He strutted toward her—confident, manly, beautiful, but most importantly, hers. He reached her and wasted no time wrapping his arms around her waist and molding their bodies as one.

She slid her arms around his neck, almost as tall as him standing on the bottom step.

“Do you still think my kiss can heal any pain?” he asked in a husky voice that shot thrills through her.

“I do. But I also think your kiss can inspire and lift me to a beautiful future I never thought was possible.”

“Cass …” Her name was a groan of longing and wonder. “I never thought we’d be back here. I love you. I never stopped loving you.”

“I love you too,” she said.

“‘Everything will be all right … If I can kiss you tonight,’” he sang, his gaze as meaningful as the words. Everything would be all right. They were together. Easton was loyal and he loved her.

Then he crossed the distance and their mouths became one.

Cassie held on tight as Easton’s lips healed her, lifted her, inspired her, made her weak in the knees and bursting with happiness. She held nothing back as she shared all the love she’d stored within her, and Easton returned the favor. She felt and understood him more deeply than ever before. He was vulnerable. He was in love. He’d ached for her. He’d do anything for her.

He pulled back slightly and smiled at her. “I don’t know how I’ve survived without you, without this perfect pair of lips.”

She laughed unsteadily. “It’s been a miserable six years Easton. You’re going to have to kiss me for hours to help me heal.” She was already healing from the inside out; the kissing would be sheer pleasure and strengthen their bond and future.

“You have come to the right man, your perfect and incredible bull rider.”

She laughed. “Stop bragging and kiss me.”

“That I can do, my sweet but sassy Cass.” He swept her off the step and against his chest. Turning, he sauntered over to the couch, pivoted, and sank down into the cushions.

Cassie loved being cradled against him. She never wanted to leave this spot.

“Where were we?” he asked, his gaze dipping to her lips before raising to her eyes again.

“You were telling me that I’m the most perfect woman in existence and you don’t know how you’ve survived without me.”

“Now that is all true. I was also telling you that I’m going to love and protect you and Presley, and the five rowdy boys we’ll have next, for the rest of our lives, then I’ll be by your side throughout eternity.”

“Five?” she murmured, knowing he was teasing and savoring his words. He’d shown her from the moment she returned to Coleville that he would be the best possible dad to Presley. She knew now he’d be the best husband imaginable.

“Okay, six. You talked me into it.”

Cassie laughed. Then she arched up and kissed him.

They kissed until she couldn’t remember the pain of losing him and being with Baxter. They kissed until the regrets of the past were healed, forgotten, and gone. Their kisses were pure and full of promise. They would spend a lifetime together, creating more beautiful memories and possibly a few more children. Not six.

She smiled against his lips and soared as he kissed her thoroughly.

She’d forgotten love could be like this.

In Easton’s arms, she was flying.