by J. H. Croix
“For a second there, I wasn’t sure,” he said, his voice muffled against her hair.
She leaned back and cupped his cheeks in her hands, dusting kisses on his face. “There was never any doubt.”
She wiggled in his arms, and he loosened his hold, allowing her to slide down his body. She held her hand out, and Gage slipped the ring over the finger. The diamond glittered from the reflection of the holiday lights hanging in the archway.
***
Gage awoke on Christmas morning with Marley curled tight against him. He rolled his head to the side and looked out the cabin windows. A fresh coating of snow had fallen during the night. The landscape sparkled under the sun. After coffee, they walked through the trees to the lodge. The spruce forest was dusted with snow, the air sharp and crisp. When they walked into the lodge, the air was scented with cider and holiday baking. Jessa squealed when she saw them, racing across the room to engulf Marley in a hug.
“All I need to know is when!” Jessa exclaimed when she finally let Marley go.
Marley met his eyes and shrugged, her cheeks bright. “Um, we haven’t gotten that far.”
Gage looped his arm across Marley’s shoulder and grinned at Jessa. “I know you’re ready to plan our wedding down to the last detail, but let’s enjoy today first. Merry Christmas,” he said, leaning over to drop a kiss on Jessa’s cheek.
Jessa huffed, but her smile held. “Fine. I’ll wait, but don’t make me wait too long.”
Jessa hurried off while Gage and Marley followed at a slower pace. They were instantly engulfed in the rush of the morning. Marley’s parents had happily accepted the offer to spend Christmas Day at the lodge. Lacey had badgered Don into getting one of the lifts going for the day so friends and family could ski. After a boisterous breakfast and presents had been handed around, Gage stood by while Marley’s mother hugged her tightly after spying the ring on her finger. Marley’s father, Stan, clapped him on the back.
“Knew the first time I saw you with her that Marley found a good man,” Stan offered gruffly. “She’s had a tough year.” Stan cleared his throat and met Gage’s eyes. After a long moment, he tugged him in for a quick hug before stepping away to drop a kiss on Marley’s cheek. Stan had stopped by the lodge last week after they got back from Seattle and thanked Gage for his help in bringing Kent to justice for what he did to Marley. Gage recognized Stan for a man of few words, but it was clear he loved his daughter deeply and had been distraught to see her go through what she did.
Gage watched Marley, her auburn curls bright in the sun that fell across her. After her mother moved on, he stepped to her side, resisting the urge to pull her close for a kiss. He was buzzing with emotion girded by desire. Ever since he’d finally let himself feel what he felt for Marley and she’d actually agreed to marry him, he was struggling to contain himself. He’d become accustomed to the almost constant state of arousal he experienced whenever Marley was near, but it was rather inconvenient when they were surrounded by family and friends.
Marley glanced up and smiled. “Let’s ski.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him to the hallway where they quickly tossed outerwear on. The deck was scattered with skis and boots. Gage made a beeline for the small shed on the corner of the deck where he’d stored a set of skis for himself and Marley. As they rode up the lift together, his heart swelled. He’d somehow managed to pull off his childhood dream of living at the lodge again and stumbled into the woman of his dreams at the same time.
The air was crisp and cold. As the lift crested the top of the slope, Kachemak Bay glittered ahead, the sun striking sparks on its surface. The mountains across stood tall and quiet, snowy against the bright blue sky. An eagle screeched nearby. Gage looked around and saw the eagle take flight off of its perch atop the ski hut. Its wings cast a shadow across the snow as it angled into the breeze before flying out of sight. The lift came to a smooth stop. He and Marley had been alone on this ride up, but the slope held at least half of their respective families. Laughter drifted on the cold breeze.
Marley paused once they were off the lift and glanced back at him briefly. She lifted a ski pole in a wave and then turned away, expertly zigzagging her way down the slope. Gage watched her for a moment, her auburn hair blowing behind her. He pushed off and followed her down. He savored the speed and leaned into the turns as he made his way down. Marley was fast and held her speed ahead of him. She came to a swirling stop at the bottom, snow flying up around her. She waited, watching as he approached. He skied to her side. Without a beat, he brought his lips to hers and delved into the warm sweetness of her mouth. A soft thud hit his back and he pulled away, turning to see Sawyer grinning from a distance before he turned away and lobbed a snowball toward Garrett.
Gage chuckled and turned back to Marley. Her forest green eyes were bright and her cheeks flushed. She bit her lip, her eyes considering. “What if we got married today?”
His heart thumped—hard. “Today?”
She nodded, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Why not? In Alaska, anyone can marry a couple in Alaska once. We can do the ceremony today and file the paperwork when the clerk’s office is open after the holiday.”
Gage’s chest suddenly felt tight. He wanted nothing more than this today, but he didn’t want Marley to feel rushed. “Are you sure? And how is it anyone can marry people in Alaska?” He couldn’t help but ask because it seemed almost too easy.
Marley grinned. “It’s that way because so much of Alaska is so rural, it’s sometimes the only way for people to get married. I could care less about a big ceremony. It makes me anxious just thinking about it. Let’s have Jessa help with the ceremony and ask Becca to do the actual marrying part. She’s the one who told me you loved me and helped me get over myself.”
Gage closed his eyes and took a breath, the bracing air grounding him. When he opened his eyes, all he saw was Marley’s face. He nodded and leaned in for a swift kiss. “So, you wanna tell Jessa, or should I?”
Marley giggled. “I’ll find Jessa. You go ask Becca about her part.”
Chapter 22
It was early evening by the time the impromptu wedding had been orchestrated. Along with their collective families, the Peters family joined in with Delia offering to help cook a wedding meal, and Ginger joining the group to serve alongside Lacey as a bridesmaid.
Hours later after the vows had been exchanged and the lodge restaurant had emptied, Marley stood by the windows and looked out into the darkness. The moon rose above the mountains, its silvery light limning the landscape in a soft glow. The stars were so bright, she felt as if she could reach out and touch them. She heard her name and turned to see Gage leaning in the archway across the restaurant. He tilted his head, gesturing for her. She made her way across the room, feeling as if she was living in a fairytale. The only light came from the moon and the holiday lights. The archway where Gage stood was backlit by holiday lights from the reception area behind him.
When she got near, he pushed away from the wall and pulled her into his strong embrace. He buried his face in her hair, his hand stroking through it. “Thank you,” he said, his voice muffled.
“For what?”
He pulled back, his smoky gaze locking on her. “Just everything. I didn’t plan on falling in love, but here you are. I feel like the luckiest man in the world that you happen to love me too.” He took a breath and glanced up. “I had to kiss you under the mistletoe. Someone told me it meant we’d live a long and peaceful life.”
He traced her lips with his fingertip and cupped her cheek, bringing his mouth against hers in slow motion. His kiss started as gentle, but quickly became hot and deep. By the time he pulled away, liquid need was pulsing through her body and her heart was so full, she thought she might burst. Without a word, he slid his hand down her arm, curling his hand around hers. They walked outside for the short walk to her cabin, as his family had occupied the entire private apartment and the few rooms set aside for them. Tomorrow the
first guests to the lodge in many years would arrive.
For now, Marley and Gage walked hand and hand through the forest, the moonlight filtering through the trees, lighting their way. A bit later, Marley curled up beside Gage, resting her head on his shoulder. A soft happiness unfurled in her heart. Gage stroked a hand in her air, his lips landing on her forehead. “Love you…” he mumbled, his breath instantly shifting into sleep.
Epilogue
Exactly one year later, Marley stood inside the living room at the lodge, looking outside. The slope was dotted with the bright colors of ski gear, filled with her and Gage’s families and locals. Christmas afternoon was for locals only. They’d considered keeping it closed for the day, but the collective chorus from Diamond Creek residents was such that they had volunteers manning the lifts and slopes for the day. Marley picked Gage out of the crowd when he came flying down the slope and swirled to a stop. Lacey was hot on his heels and shook her fist at him as she passed by. They’d developed a friendly rivalry recently and were frequently challenging each other to races. As far as Marley could tell, they were even though she eschewed any discussion of it because she’d quickly discovered if she mentioned it, both would argue with her about why each was respectively faster than the other.
Meanwhile, Marley was sidelined from skiing for now. She ran her hand over her belly and felt another kick. She was eight months pregnant and more than ready to have their baby. Seeing Gage making his way to the lodge, she walked downstairs to meet him. Gage strode inside, and her breath caught in her throat. All he had to do was show up and her pulse went wild. He oozed masculinity. He walked across the room, his sculpted chest and abdomen outlined by his fitted skiing shirt. His gray eyes landed on hers, striking the flint of her desire. Even eight months pregnant, he managed to steal her senses.
He walked up to her, his mouth quirking in a half-smile as he stroked his hand over her very round belly. “How are we doing?” he asked, dropping his mouth for a quick kiss, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth and pulling away, catching her bottom lip between his teeth. His eyes held a wicked glint.
“We’re fine. Have you noticed that I’m gigantic and I walk like a duck now?”
Gage shrugged. “You look beautiful.”
Marley giggled. “For someone who said they didn’t have any experience at relationships, you’re a master.”
Hours later, after another Christmas dinner with family and friends, Marley looked across the restaurant to find Gage standing beneath the archway again. Once again, time felt suspended. Moonlight filtered into the room. Holiday lights glittered outside. She walked slowly across the room, his smoky gaze a magnet for her. When she reached his side, she glanced up at the mistletoe hanging above. “I suppose we can’t have an anniversary without a kiss under the mistletoe.”
Gage ducked his head and brought his lips to hers, his touch gentle and scorching at once. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers. “Merry Christmas.”
~The End~
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Please enjoy the following excerpt from Love at Last, the next book in the Last Frontier Lodge Series!
(Excerpt from LOVE AT LAST by J.H. Croix; all rights reserved)
Chapter 1
Delia jumped at the sound of banging on the front door. Reflexively, she glanced around the kitchen though she knew perfectly well no one else was there. It was close to midnight, and she was alone in the kitchen at Last Frontier Lodge. As far as she knew, every guest who had reservations had checked in hours earlier. The ski lodge was booked solid, so if whoever happened to be banging at the door hoped for a room, they were out of luck. She’d stayed late tonight to prep the pastries for breakfast tomorrow. Uncertain who could be here, but aware that it was below zero outside, she brushed the flour off of her hands and made her way through the darkened hall and into the reception area. When she swung the door open, her pulse lunged.
Garrett Hamilton stood in the small circle of light. His glossy dark hair looked as if he’d run a hand through it a few too many times, and his blue eyes were weary. Yet, he was so damn handsome, he stole her breath away. She must have stood there a beat too long with her mouth hanging open because Garrett arched a brow and nudged his chin forward.
“Were you planning to let me freeze out here, or can I come in?”
Delia gave her head a shake and stepped back from the door. “Sorry. You startled me. Come on in.” She gestured for him to pass by. Garrett adjusted the bag slung over his shoulder and walked inside. He paused and waited while she closed and bolted the heavy door. When she turned to face him, she felt suddenly self-conscious. Her hair was in a messy ponytail with long curls hanging loosely around her face. Her apron was streaked with the evidence of a day’s cooking in a busy ski lodge.
Garrett allowed his bag to fall to the floor and shrugged out of his winter coat. His chest and shoulders stretched at the fabric of his t-shirt underneath. Beyond his knowing blue eyes, his face might as well have been sculpted by an artist with his angular features and sensual mouth.
Delia swallowed and tried get her pulse under control. She’d met Garrett when he was here over Christmas. His brother, Gage Hamilton, was her boss. She supposed Garrett could technically be considered her boss as well since he and the rest of his siblings shared ownership of Last Frontier Lodge with Gage. Garrett cleared his throat. Delia whipped her head up, realizing her eyes had been coasting over his rock-hard abs. She wondered if he knew the effect he had on women.
“Where to?” he asked, his voice gruff.
Delia bit her lip and considered what to do with Garrett. There wasn’t a single room available, and Gage hadn’t mentioned anything about making sure she kept a room available for Garrett. Along with managing the kitchen at the lodge, she managed the staff for reception and housekeeping. She met Garrett’s blue eyes and somehow found her voice.
“Um…did Gage know you were coming?”
Garrett shook his head sharply. “Nope. Tried to call him when I changed planes in Anchorage, but I only got his voicemail. Is it a problem I’m here?”
“Oh, no. I’m just trying to figure out where to put you. The lodge is booked. I’m sure Gage and Marley wouldn’t mind if you stayed in the private apartment with them, but I’m guessing they’re asleep by now.”
Garrett picked up his bag again and turned to walk toward the kitchen. Delia followed behind, wondering where he planned to go. He strode through the kitchen and into her small office beside it. His bag hit the floor with a thump. He turned so quickly, she collided with him. Flushed, she stepped back.
“Sorry. I, um, can I get you something?” Her mind taunted her. Can you get him something? It’s midnight and you’re following him around like an idiot. Garrett flustered her, and the situation made it worse. She’d been working quietly in the kitchen for the last two hours since the kitchen staff went home for the night. The last thing she’d expected was to be facing a guest at this hour. And Garrett Hamilton, no less. She’d thought him all kinds of sexy when she met him when he visited over the holidays. But she’d politely reminded herself he was in another stratosphere.
From what she knew, Garrett was a high-profile corporate lawyer with the money and looks to accentuate his sleek career. She was just a single mother who grew up in Diamond Creek, Alaska. She was doing better than she had in the last few years, but that was mostly thanks to Gage offering her this job. Not only was she finally able to save some money, but she also loved her job. She’d once dreamed of being a chef in a big city, but she found this job as satisfying as any she could have imagined. She had free rein to dream up whatever gourmet dishes she wanted, along with a bustling restaurant filled ski tourists and locals every night of the week. All of that in the hometown she loved. A place like Diamond Creek was hard to beat�
�spectacular views of mountains, glaciers and the ocean, along with a bustling business scene with arts and restaurants abounding to meet the demands of tourists who traveled from all over the world to visit Alaska. Throw in the reality that Diamond Creek held onto its small-town charm due to its far-flung, rural location on the wild coast of Alaska, and she couldn’t imagine finding a much more charmed place. Though there had been times when she’d chafed at the small world of Diamond Creek, she loved it.
Garrett cleared his throat again. She looked up to find his sharp blue eyes on her. Fighting the flush that heated her face, she met his eyes. “We have tea and hot cider. I was just finishing up when you got here.”
Garrett nodded. “Your hot cider?” he asked, the corner of his mouth kicking up into a way-too-charming smile.
Heat swirled in her belly. She nodded.
“Perfect. You think it’ll be okay if I crash on the couch in here?” He gestured to the couch along one wall in her office.
She shrugged. “Probably your best option unless you want to wake Gage and Marley.” She turned to stride into the kitchen and quickly poured him a mug of cider. It had been cooling, but was still warm enough.
When she handed it to him, Garrett took a swallow and sighed. “Damn. Gage made me try your cider at Christmas. I’m not really a cider guy, but this…” He held his mug up. “…is amazing. It’s got a hell of a kick.”
Delia flushed and shrugged. “It’s my mother’s recipe.” She fiddled with her necklace and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I’ll get out of your way now. Some of the kitchen staff will arrive as early as five, so don’t get startled.”
