Page 112 of With This Ring

“Okay, Koti.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “I love you, Koti.”

“And I love you too.”

“I’m glad we’ve finally established that.” His fingers traced the line of her neck before he cupped her face in his hands. Then he leaned down, and his mouth covered hers. For a moment, she was convinced she was dreaming, but the kiss was as real as the desire plunging through her body. She lost herself in the feel and taste of his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he pulled her in and held her close.

Hudson’s lips began a slow exploration, and the world around them faded. All that existed was Dakota and Hudson, and she felt certain she would float away. When he broke the kiss, she drew in air, working to slow the shock waves still rocking her body.

“I feel like I’ve waited a lifetime to do that again,” he said.

She grinned. “Then don’t stop. We have nearly a decade to make up for.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he told her, gathering her up in his arms again.

Epilogue

One year later

ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” pulsed through the speakers in the Flowering Grove Rollerama as skaters moved to the beat out on the floor. Dakota glanced around at the crowd and grinned. The walls were decorated with streamers, peace signs, and disco balls, and the patrons had gone all out wearing their minidresses, jumpsuits, sequins, fringe, shiny shirts, and bandannas.

She leaned on Hudson beside her. “I think ’70s night was a great success.”

“I’ve never seen so many bell-bottoms in one place in all my life.”

She laughed and gave his hard bicep a squeeze. “And you look amazing in that silk shirt and vest.”

“That’s because you made them for me.” His gaze raked over her before he kissed her cheek, sending heat curling through her. “By the way, I’m loving that minidress on you.”

The past year had flown by at lightning speed. After their wedding, Layla and Shane moved into their little house. Layla was still serving as a hygienist for the dentist’s office, and Shane still happily worked for the landscaping company. Shane and Hudson had worked out their differences and somehow had become good friends over time.

Dakota and Skye worked together to institute both in-person and online sales in her shop, including custom orders. The business was so busy that Dakota had to hire two more saleswomen to help. Dakota was able to concentrate on what she loved—creating and altering the gowns—while Skye and the other staff handled the store floor.

After purchasing the colonial that had once been an Airbnb, Hudson continued working remotely with Darren. They were already making plans to sell the company in Bahrain. He also kept busy designing software to help local companies in Flowering Grove, and from his profits, he donated laptops to the local school system.

Dakota and Hudson also kept their promise to always be honest with each other and put their relationship first. Dakota couldn’t remember a time when she’d been this happy, and she looked forward to a future with him—a real future this time.

Hudson rested his hand on Dakota’s waist and kissed the top of her head. “I love being here at the rink with you.”

“It’s where our story began.” She smiled up at him.

A strange look filled his face. “Yes, that’s very true.”

“You okay?” she asked, touching his cheek and enjoying the feel of his stubble.

Kayleigh and Brice skated over to them, and Dakota couldn’t help but think that Kayleigh looked adorable in her pink minidress covering her tiny baby bump. It was hard to believe she’d be a mother of two in only a few more months.

“What are you two doing over here?” Kayleigh pointed to the rink. “Let’s go skate.” When “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees started playing, Kayleigh grabbed Dakota’s arm. “For real. Let’s go, girl.”

“Hang on.” Hudson held up his hand. “I need Koti for just a few more minutes.”

Dakota’s heart melted at the sound of his nickname for her. She would never get tired of it.

Kayleigh’s eyes widened as understanding overtook her face. “Oh.”

“What’s happening?” Dakota looked from her boyfriend to her best friend and back again.

“We’ll meet you out there.” Brice took his wife’s hand and led her out to the floor to skate.

Dakota studied her handsome boyfriend. “Am I missing something?”