Maybe having our daughter right now wasn’t ideal given the fact the business was just starting, but I already had a full staff, and even had a waiting list for clients to join the studio. So of course, it was pretty overwhelming and a little scary, but I’d never been more confident in things being able to work out than I was now.
“I love you,” Tristan said gruffly, leaning down to kiss me on the lips at the same time he slid his hand up to gently curl around my throat. It was a very possessive act, and one that had my heart racing.
I didn’t care that everybody could see us, didn’t care about the public displays of affection. In fact, I wanted everyone to know that I was Tristan’s and he was mine.
“I love you, too,” I murmured against his lips.
“I’m so fucking proud of you.” He pulled back and moved the hand that was gently curled around my throat and cupped my cheek. He smoothed his thumb right under my eye, his expression intense, his love for me pouring out of him and surrounding me fully.
I rested my head on his chest as I looked back at all the townsfolk of Cherry Falls. This was a community, a supportive and loving family even if they weren’t by blood.
And I realized that although I should never have left, even if it was only for four years to expand on my education, I was so thankful I had because it made me appreciate all of this even more.
This was my home. This was my family. And I loved every minute of it.
I couldn’t wait to see what the next five years brought me.