My jaw dropped. A massive in-ground pool had been installed, complete with a large hot tub at one end, and a small pool house set off to the side. There was even a cabana with pillowed lounge chairs and a mini-bar. None of this had been here before.
“When did this happen?” I spun around to face Trent.
He’d closed the sliding glass doors and now stood in front of them, hands tucked into his pockets. God, he was gorgeous, and for a brief second, I forgot all about the pool. I closed the small distance between us.
“I had it installed a month ago,” he said, staring down at me, a twinkle in his clear blue eyes. “The pool is heated.”
“Why?” I ran my hands down his lapels and gazed up at him.
“Because I know how much you like the water,” he said.
I tilted my head. “Okay… but… why here? I mean, it’s not like we spend a ton of time here,” I said.
Not that I’d mind coming here more often. The cabin was cozy, the mountain view was breathtaking, and the peacefulness the seclusion offered was fantastic. Knowing I wouldn’t have to be on house arrest while here would be an added bonus, too.
“That’s the thing.” He rubbed the back of his neck, then reached for me. He slid his arms around my waist. “You were right. We’re going to need a place to live after we’re married, and while you’re pregnant. It’s not like we’re planning to leave Keene Valley right away, so I figured—”
I let out a small squeal of excitement, and then clamped my mouth shut so he could finish.
Trent smiled and shook his head, clearly amused with my little outburst. “I figured we could live here for a while. It’s close to town and our families, and it’s—”
“Perfect,” I said with a sigh. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
“Yeah?” He lifted a brow.
“Yes.” I flung my arms around his neck and kissed him like my very life depended on it.
He nipped at my bottom lip and groaned before pulling me closer, our bodies melded together as one. Desire pooled in my belly, and the way Trent kissed me—with all the hunger and ferocity of a caged animal who’d just found freedom—wasn’t helping the fire burning inside of me.
I slid my hands up his chest and over his shoulders, attempting to ease his suit jacket off, but that was impossible when he refused to release me. His arms were still locked around me, holding me tight to his body.
“I’m tempted to make everyone leave so we can have the place to ourselves,” he mumbled against my lips.
I chuckled and broke away from his kiss. Why was it always so hard to catch my breath after he kissed me? My tongue grazed over my tingling lips, and Trent’s eyes narrowed, his gaze dark and lustful.
“You can’t tell them to leave,” I said when I finally caught my breath. “That’s rude. Besides, how will I tell them they’re staying at our new house if you kick them all out?”
He laughed. Stepping aside, he slid open the glass doors and motioned for me to go inside. “Well, go tell them then,” he said.
I didn’t waste any time rushing inside and finding Ellie, who was wandering around with Abby and Whitney, scoping out the place. When I told them the good news, they screamed so loud I was positive they’d busted my eardrum.
“There’s also a pool and hot tub outside,” I said.
“Oh, we are totally doing that,” Whitney said. “Good thing Trent told us to pack swimsuits.” She nudged me and laughed.
“Of course he did,” I said.
Because Trent had all of this planned for months now, and he’d enlisted my friends, too. But I wasn’t upset with him—I’d come to learn this was just Trent. He planned things and constantly surprised me.
“I shoved your swimsuit in your bag when you weren’t looking,” Abby said with a proud smile.
“Thanks,” I said. “Okay then, let’s change and go swimming!”
I rushed upstairs and straight into the room I’d stayed in last time I was here. All the air rushed from my lungs in a sharp exhale.
Everything was exactly the same, except for the couple dozen candles scattered around the room, flames flickering and dancing over the walls. There was a vase of roses on the nightstand. An envelope was propped in front of the vase, and my name was written across the front in Trent’s handwriting.
I couldn’t believe he’d done all of this. It hit me right then that Trent didn’t just love me, he worshipped me. That knowledge was like a weight on my heart, pressing down on me in the most satisfying way.
I closed the door and made my way toward the card. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I pulled the paper from the envelope. My hands trembled.
My dearest Chloe,
By now, you’ve seen the pool and our bedroom, and you know that I want to make this cabin our home, and I can probably guess what’s going through your mind right now—I do so much for you, give you so much, and you don’t give me anything in return. Am I right?
I laughed despite the lump that had formed in my throat and wiped the tears that were silently tracking down my cheeks.
Well, I’m telling you right now, in writing, that you’re wrong. You’ve given me everything. A reason to keep existing. A future I’m excited about. You’ve agreed to be my wife and the mother of my child.
I blew out a breath and wiped more tears from my face. God, how did he always manage to make me cry like this? And why did I like it so much? Not that I particularly enjoyed the act of crying, but the emotions Trent brought out in me… those, I cherished.
I love