Page 23 of Unspoken Passions

“A couple of years ago, you showed Kennedi a picture of what you wanted and I saw it. My kitchen is your dream kitchen.”

Ella’s mouth fell open as she stared at him. “You did all of that for me?”

He grimaced. “Yeah.” He kissed her lightly. “It was all for you.”

Ella’s heart melted. “You think we can make this work?”

“Absolutely,” he replied without hesitation. “We’re going to make this work. We’ve been living with the alternative for too long. We’re going to make this work. Every damn day, I’m going to show you how much I love you.”

She beamed. “And I’m going to love you in ways that will blow your mind!” she whispered back.

His eyes shimmered with amusement. “Oh, you already blow my mind, Ella,” he replied back.

She chuckled. “You think that, just because I’m one day past being a virgin, that I don’t know a few tricks?” Ella could see a wariness in his eyes now. “Mick, what do you think I’m doing when I’m not at the shop or cussing out my lawn mower?”

“Reading?”

“Yes,” she said with a firm nod. “And I have a whole bunch of ideas from my books that you are going to explore with me until we know what we like!”

He groaned playfully. “What if I like all of it?” he asked, walking her out to his SUV and opening up the passenger door.

“Then we’ll do it all a second, third, and forth time,” she vowed.

Epilogue

“Don’t do it!” Ella warned, pointing her silicone spatula at her oldest son, Micah.

Six year old Micah considered his options, the forkful of syrupy waffles in hand. He’d been planning to spoon some onto his baby sister’s plate. Nine month old Melanie was staring, open mouthed, at the potential treat.

“But she likes waffles,” Micah explained. “And you made them with sweet potatoes, so they’re good for me and for her, right?”

Mick stepped into the kitchen at that moment and, bending low, he ate the waffles from Micah’s fork.

“Dad!” Micah gasped.

Mick laughed and kissed his son’s cheek. He stepped over to do the same to Melanie, causing both of their children to giggle with delight. “Problem solved,” he announced in that sexy, growling morning voice.

Ella grinned and moved into his arms when he reached for her. “You are an excellent problem solver!” she declared.

He laughed, winking down at her. “That’s what you said last night too.”

Ella only laughed, agreeing one hundred percent with her handsome husband. “I love you!”

He grinned. “I love you too!”