Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Levi chuckles, and he sets me down on the island again before pulling out of me. “I second that.”
He fixes his jeans, then picks up my clothes, placing them beside me.
I jump off the marble top and go to the guest bathroom to clean up. When I return, Levi finishes wiping off the island and picks up my panties before coming to crouch in front of me.
My man begins to dress me, and once he’s done, he gives me a tender kiss. “Breakfast first, then my gift.”
“Okay.” I quickly finish plating the food and carry it to the island. When we’re both sitting, I ask, “How does it feel now that you’ve finished writing?” I scoop some hashbrowns into my mouth, my eyes on Levi.
“Once I’m done with editing and send in the manuscript, I always feel lost for a couple of weeks.” Grinning at me, he adds, “But I get the feeling that won’t be the case this time.”
“Yeah? Why?”
“I have you and the farm to keep me busy until the next plot starts to form in my head.”
“Oh, I’ll keep you busy,” I tease him.
The instant I take my last bite, Levi gathers our plates and loads them into the dishwasher. “Gift time.”
Loving his excitement, I slip off the stool and say, “Close your eyes. I’m going to lead you to it, and you’re not allowed to peek.”
His eyes snap shut, and the smile forming on his face is so happy, I take a few seconds to commit it to my memory.
Taking his hand, I carefully pull him through the kitchen and out the back door, warning him, “Careful of the steps.”
I lead Levi across the yard to my workshop, which he built for me last month. The second floor is still a work in progress, but I’m able to use the first floor.
I haven’t opened for business yet. I’ve been too focused on making the kitchen cupboards and Levi’s present. It will probably be another two months before I start taking orders again.
I push the door open and guide Levi to where I want him before I say, “You can open your eyes.”
The instant Levi sees the bookshelf, his lips part. I whittled his book covers onto the side panels, and the titles are in cursive on every shelf.
He walks closer and brushes his fingers over the cedarwood. “Kelcie,” he whispers, sounding like he’s awestruck. “How did you hide this from me?”
“You were lost in your writing, so it was easy.”
Suddenly, Levi spins around and stalks to me. Framing my cheeks with his hands, he kisses me with so much passion, I’m breathless and in a daze by the time he lifts his head.
His eyes look deep into mine, and I can see he means every word as he says, “Thank you for giving me the best gift ever.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I love the shelf.” He shakes his head. “But I’m talking about this extraordinary life you’re giving me. Every day, I get to wake up next to you. I get to hear your laughter in the house. I smell your floral scent lingering in the air.”
His words hit me so deep I feel them in my soul, and my sight blurs as tears threaten to fall.
Levi takes a breath before he continues, “Thank you for being mine.”
I wrap my fingers around his wrists and bathe in the love he’s giving me.
“An extraordinary life for an extraordinary man. You have no idea how amazing it is to love and be loved by you.” I push up on my tiptoes and kiss him tenderly. “You are my source of comfort, strength, and every beat of my heart. I live only for you, Levi. Now and until my very last breath.”
Epilogue
Levi
Six years later . . .
Sitting on the porch with my laptop resting on my thighs, I’m supposed to be writing, but my eyes are locked on my wife as she comes walking back from the lake after feeding the ducks.
Starburst and Skittles, our two mini–Highland cows, follow behind Kelcie, stopping every few feet to graze on some grass.
Lick lifts her head and barks, which has Rocket leaving Kelcie’s side and running ahead. His tongue is lolling out of the side of his mouth, and as he lies down beside Lick, he pants from all the exercise.
“How’s the writing coming along?” Kelcie asks as she climbs the steps to the porch.
I set the laptop aside and get up from the chair. Brushing my palm over her heavily pregnant belly, I lean in to give her a kiss. “It’s not.”
Suddenly, there’s a dripping sound, and both our heads snap down to the floor.
“Oh crap,” Kelcie gasps. “My water just broke.”
“We’ve got this,” I say, instantly jumping into action.
I’ve done so many practice runs with Kelcie, we’re well prepared for this moment.
Placing my arm around her to make sure she doesn’t slip and fall, I guide her into the house and to the restroom. I grab a washcloth, and while Kelcie takes off her wet dress and underwear, I wipe off her legs and feet.