Second Nature (6 page)
Authors: Krista Ames
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Romance, #Contemporary Fiction, #Contemporary, #Military
She stared at him, her hands covering her mouth. Then she started to cry.
“Oh wait, I didn’t mean to make you cry. We could find you an apartment if you’d be more comfortable in your own place.”
Her arms wrapped around his neck so fast it caught him off guard and they fell back on the blanket together.
“You need to say something. I’m a little lost here.”
Dana laughed.
“What is so funny?”
“Your house is beautiful and I love the idea! It’s just the sincere look on your face. I dreamed of this for so long, the reality of it coming true is a little overwhelming.”
He framed her face and kissed her passionately. “So is that a yes?”
Dana squeezed him tight. “Yes, sir, that is a yes! I love you, Nicholas, and I would love to move in with you.” He kissed her again, but she nudged him away. “Hold on a minute. This is moving awfully fast. How do I know you won’t leave again?”
“Woman, believe me, there’s nothing I want more than to wake up every morning next to you. I can’t guarantee the Navy won’t ship me out at some point, but I will try my best to keep us in Seattle, and if I have to move, I’m taking you with me.” He stopped any further doubts she might have by covering her lips with his.
****
Whenever Amy could spare Dana from wedding plans and boutique training, she and Nick spent every free minute of the next week together. During the day, he took her to every tourist landmark she had wanted to see. They toured the naval base, and walked Pike Place Market and the waterfront. They spent hours in the little cafés, a day at Seattle’s aquarium, and then a cruise of the Sound.
She even made arrangements to view the vacant store next to Amy’s boutique for the possible future home of a kitchen shop.
The days were busy, but the nights were her favorite when she and Nick never left his bedroom.
Epilogue
The wedding was just short of breathtaking. Dave and Amy chose an outdoor spot at a beautiful Victorian bed-and-breakfast, situated high atop a cliff, overlooking the rocky shores of the bay.
Dana stood beside her best friend as Amy steadily and proudly said her wedding vows to the man she loved. She wore a beautiful Victorian gown, and Dana wore an elegant rose-colored, floor-length dress, while the men were in their naval uniforms.
Except for the occasional holding of the bridal bouquet, Dana couldn’t take her eyes off the best man. She’d never seen Nick look so polished and handsome. Her thoughts wandered to the day when he would gaze into her eyes during their own wedding.
The reception followed, where family and friends gathered in the formal dining room. As a wedding gift, Nick had arranged for the couple to spend their wedding night at the bed-and-breakfast before flying to the Caribbean for a week long honeymoon.
As Dana and Nick danced, his tight embrace convinced her of his love even more now than ever before. She loved this man with her whole heart and was overwhelmed at how a few days changed their lives.
“You’ve only been in town a week, and I’m more in love with you now than I ever thought possible,” Nick whispered in her ear, his breath warm and inviting.
“Well, Mr. Navy Man, why don’t we say our goodbyes and go back to the house where you can show me again how much you love me.” She winked.
Being in Nick arms was second nature. It’s where Dana was meant to be.
A word about the author...
Krista Ames is a full-time author, mom and wife, and resides in northern Lower Michigan with her husband and four children. She has a true love for anything romance and reads as often as she can, but her passion is writing.
Krista loves to hear from readers—feel free to drop her a note at [email protected]
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