Page 78 of Save the Last Dance

“I’m sorry our relationship has been so backward that we’re talking about kids first.” The corner of his lips hitched up in a smile she’d seen on his niece earlier in the night. A beautiful smile on both faces. “But to put the horse back in front of the cart, I need to tell you, again, and this time forever…I love you, Nina.”

The words were a joy to hear. Not that she hadn’t known how he felt…she’d seen it in his eyes when they made love. Felt it in his touch. But the fact that he was comfortable enough to say it made all the difference.

“I’ve loved you longer. From the very first moment I saw you,” she said simply. “And with all the fierceness of my heart.”

A smile spread over his tanned, handsome face, lighting his eyes. His arms went around her and squeezed her tight, showing her a thing or two about the fierceness he felt, too. She settled in the broad familiarity of his chest and let herself savor dreams of leaning into that same embrace decades from now.

“Nina, love,” he whispered against her hair, “while we’re figuring out this incredible future together, I’m hoping you can help me with one last detail.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m not sure where to live.”

She eased back so she could hear him better. This part of the plan, she could handle. In fact, she could handle anything now. With Mack at her side, she could tackle the world.

“Nashville is only an hour away. Why don’t youcommute a few days a week and spend a few of the nights up there. We don’t need to figure out every detail right now. It’s enough that we are going to be together.”

“We’re going to be together.” He repeated it, his eyes locked on hers with new determination.

She couldn’t stop smiling. “We can house hunt midway in between Nashville and Heartache, if you want. Or keep splitting time with two smaller places. I can go up there on weekends and find some extra help for Gram when she needs it.”

“I want to show you the bar.” He stroked his hand down her hair, sifting his fingers through the ends. “But I could start another one closer to Heartache.”

She hadn’t considered he would actually put down roots here, too. But she had to admit, his idea had potential. The business side of her could see a market here. So many possibilities, amazing possibilities filled her mind.

“We’ll figure it out,” she promised, arching up on her toes to kiss his lower lip and bite it softly. “Tonight is going to be the start of our forever.”

His lips slanted over hers and he kissed her until her knees went weak and she tumbled into his arms. She wrapped hers around his neck and held on tight while the jack-o’-lanterns grinned their approval.

“I love you so much, Nina.” Mack’s words were a promise that warmed her to her toes despite the fall chill.

Inside, a break in the music made the night quiet for a moment before a slower tune began.

“I love you, too.” Nina threaded her fingers through his and tugged him toward the dining hall, their family and friends. “And I’m going to have that dance from you, Mack Finley.”

“We’ll show them the old Harvest king and queen stillhave their moves.” Mack followed her up the gravel fairway through the festival grounds, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

“We’ll show them what a couple in love looks like. I want to dance until I’m dizzy under the yellow lights.” She spun in a happy circle as they reached the doors covered in fall leaves.

“You’ll dance until it’s time to go home with me,” he clarified, his voice rough with desire.

“For good,” she added.

“Forever.”He kissed her lips once more before opening the door to a life she couldn’t wait to begin.

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