With his warning delivered, he pivoted to head out of the office. It was overdramatic, but hey, he had to have a little fun after being forced to waste his entire morning personally delivering his threat.
He wouldn’t be nearly so nice if he had to come back.
A few minutes later he was in his SUV, making the drive to the farm at the same breakneck speed. He was hoping to get Carmen to the airport to make their evening flight to California. As nice as it was to spend time with Rylan and Jaci, as well as his grandmother, he was ready to have time alone with Carmen.
Forced to slow as he reached the gravel road, he turned into the driveway. Pulling out his phone he made a quick call to the security team he had hired. Moments later he watched a nondescript sedan appear from the shadows of the hedge and head away from the house.
He climbed out of his vehicle and walked toward the barn where the last of the equipment was being packed into a long trailer. The heavy machinery would be sold at a local auction, while the furniture was going into storage. He didn’t want Carmen to regret selling those pieces that had been hand-carved by her great-grandfather.
Someday they might have children. Then she’d want them to have something from her past.
The mere thought was enough to stir his blood. Or maybe his blood was being stirred by the sight of Carmen, who’d stepped onto the back porch.
She was wearing faded jeans and one of his flannel shirts. Her hair was a tumble of golden curls and there was dirt on her face.
She’d never been more gorgeous.
With steps that were more a jog than a stroll, he moved across the yard and vaulted up the stairs. His heart soared as she walked directly into his arms.
He thought back to the first moment he’d seen her standing on the beach. Her beauty had been luminous. As if she was glowing from inside.
He’d known he was in trouble. He just hadn’t known it was a forever-and-ever kind of trouble.
“It’s about time,” she murmured.
He planted a kiss on top of her tousled curls, breathing deeply of her lemony scent.
“Did you miss me?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Just a little?”
She snuggled closer. “Maybe a lot.”
“Mmm. I like the sound of that.”
He pressed another kiss to the top of her head before urging her back into the house. The icy breeze was starting to pick up. They needed to finish up and get on the road to the airport.
Reaching the living room, he glanced around at the barren floors and walls.
“Do you need me to do anything?” he asked.
She shook her head. “The movers hauled everything to the storage unit you rented. All we need to do is drop the key by the real estate office.” She paused, glancing around with a small sigh. “It feels so empty.”
He pulled her tight against his side. “Are you sure you’re ready to give up this place?” he demanded. “You know there’s no hurry to make a decision.”
She sucked in a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “It’s time. My grandfather would be sad to see the place falling apart. He would want a family here who are willing to devote their lives to the land.” She turned to meet his worried gaze with a small smile. “Besides, I’m ready to put the past behind us and concentrate on the future.”
He leaned down to press a lingering kiss against her lips. “Our future.”
“Our future,” she readily agreed.
Lifting his head, he studied her upturned face. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” She reached to grab his hand. “I’m ready.”
Holding hands, they walked out the door, facing the world together.