Page 227 of The Havenport Collection

Epilogue

LUKE

Four months later

I heard the back door open and lowered the music I was listening to, turning around to greet my favorite person in the world.

“You’re home,” I said, rushing over to throw my arms around her.

“It smells amazing in here,” she said into my neck as she nuzzled me.

“I’ve been cooking all afternoon,” I replied, kissing her. “I wanted to do something special for you; it’s been such a rough week.” Nora had been working around the clock for the last few months, going back and forth to New York and slowly getting her business off the ground.

Her cousin Gina had taken over the day-to-day running of the store, and Nora had thrown herself into the new venture, getting up to speed quickly and spending every spare moment reviewing contracts, meeting with advisors, and working with her technical team to get the Jeanious Bar platform up and running.

I loved watching her kick ass, but I worried about her too.

I had begged her to take some time off, and even offered her a private jet to anywhere on earth she wanted to go, but she was so focused.

I took her bag and set it down, leading her to the kitchen island where I had a glass of wine poured for her along with a bowl of her favorite shrimp crackers.

“So tonight, I’m going to spoil my girl,” I explained.

“I’ve cooked a feast.” I gestured to all the dishes covering the island.

There was a stack of red leaf lettuce, multiple small bowls of banchan, traditional Korean side dishes, and a steaming bowl of rice.

“We’re going to eat and drink and then I’m going to lick that delicious pussy until you pass out. ”

“I am the luckiest girl in the world. Did you make short ribs?”

I nodded as her eyes grew wide. Nora and I had traveled to Seoul a couple of months ago to see my mother’s family and do some sightseeing.

She had fallen in love with Korean cuisine and now had very specific opinions on caramel puffed rice and which brand of seasoned seaweed snacks was the best. We were slowly learning my mother’s recipes together, making messes and memories in her kitchen.

I liked to think this is what my mother wanted, sharing my heart and my heritage with the person I loved.

We sat shoulder to shoulder at the island, chatting about our work and sneaking kisses between bites.

“I am so full,” she complained, rubbing her belly. “I’ll get started on the dishes.”

“Nope.” I grabbed her wrist. “I’ve got them. You go relax. But first, I have a surprise for you.”

She looked at me skeptically. “I said no more gifts, Luke. I’m not a kept woman.”

I kissed her temple. “I know, babe. This isn’t a present. It’s something better.” I led her into the dining room and gestured toward the table.

She gasped. “Is this what I think it is? The plan?” She rushed over and immediately started to study the blueprints spread across the table.

I put my arm around her. “I know you’re too busy to deal with this right now, so I met with the architect and finalized everything last week. We can change anything you want.”

Nora and I had spent every night together for the past several months, sometimes at my brownstone and sometimes at hers, but never apart. One night, while snacking after making love on the floor, I suggested we combine the two brownstones into one, giving us a huge space to make our own.

Nora loved the idea. Renovations at her place had slowed down since she was so busy with work, and I wanted to do this for her, taking something off her plate and making her life easier.

Since that night, we had been making lists of all the elements of our dream home.

A big soaking tub for her and a designer kitchen for me.

We both needed offices, a home gym in the basement, and a roof deck to enjoy the ocean views.

“What’s this?” she asked, pointing to a large space on the second floor.

“That’s your home office. It has tons of natural light and a small balcony so you can get fresh air.” I knew she would love it.

“And this is the kitchen? It’s enormous.”

“Yup. Plenty of room for friends and family. So we can start throwing parties and hosting holidays. That table can seat twelve.”

She threw her arms around my neck. “I love this so much. Just think of all the fun we will have, taking these two different spaces and combining them into one home.”

I kissed her gently. “I want it all with you, Nora. Everything. And this house is just the start.” We had briefly discussed kids.

We both wanted them in theory but were ambivalent as to when.

I expected it would be sooner rather than later, especially as Nora’s best friend Cece would be giving birth this fall.

I made sure to design this place with a growing family in mind.

There were plenty of bedrooms, a basement that could be finished to make a playroom, and the big family kitchen.

“I want everything with you too, Luke.” She sagged into my chest. “But tonight I just want to sleep.”

I nibbled her neck. “Not yet, Fireball. I promised you a few orgasms first. Need to make sure my girl sleeps well.”

I threw her over my shoulder and headed upstairs to my bed, full of love for this challenging, complex, and incredible woman.