Page 177 of Ever With Me

“What’s that for?”

“I’m just happy,” she said as his arms tightened around her waist.

“Happy to be home?” He searched her eyes.

“No, silly man. Happy with you. I could be anywhere, and as long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Maddie. Always.” He kissed her again, then pulled his head back and frowned, a teasing glint to his eyes. “Does that mean I should tell the builders to stop that house by the lake?”

She grinned. “No, I didn’t say that.”

“Ahh, so you do want to move here now?”

Maddie drew in a deep breath of cold, country air. The fair and all its familiar scents of hot frying oil, apple fritters, smoked meats, and warm fires. The smell of dozens of childhood nights.

Then Maddie looked back at her husband and smiled, lifting the back of his hand to her lips.

“Brandywood will always be here. It will always be a part of me. And maybe someday—when we’re ready—we can come back here. But my home is with you, Brooks. Forever. And today’s a good day to live wherever you are.”

As the sounds of cheering started to die, Brooks held her close. “Forever, Madison. You and me.”