“Yes, a million times over, yes,” she whispered.

Finally, he brought his mouth to hers and kissed her so gently the tears almost started up once again. Tenderness soon turned to passion as his breath heated her lips. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her hips, and he kissed her deeply, their tongues tangling. He groaned deep in his throat, which sent a bolt of awareness through her body. She shifted her hips, rubbing against the growing arousal she felt underneath her.

His tongue moved in and out of her mouth, slow and erotic, then quick and exciting. She pressed herself even closer to him, loving the feel of his thick muscles beneath her hands. Her pulse was racing as he moved his hands along her back, rubbing them against the sensitive skin of her lower back.

He rubbed his hand over her thigh, spreading her legs wider, his fingers rubbing along the waistband of her pants. Soon, her clasp was undone, and she was wiggling to get out of the bothersome material. She didn’t want anything separating them, there were far too many clothes in the way.

He slid the pants over her hips, tossing them out of the way, and the feel of his soft slacks on her naked thighs was a new sensation, one she liked very much. He continued caressing her legs, his hand sliding higher until he brushed against the satin of her already wet panties. She was aching for him, more so than she could ever remember before.

“Please, Max,” she begged him, needing him to touch her. It had only been a little more than a week, but she missed his touch. She craved what only he could bring her.

“Open your eyes,” he whispered as he swiped his tongue across her bottom lip. She barely managed to slit them open. He looked deep into her eyes as his finger easily slid into her aching body. She clenched around him, the feel of his hand caressing her most intimate place almost sending her cascading over a cliff.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said huskily as he moved his hand in and out of her body, his thumb swiping against her swollen nub. “Yes, let go,” he continued seducing her with his hands and words. He tugged on her neck, bringing her mouth back to his as he continued to caress her moist heat. She felt bold and beautiful, and wanted more. He slipped his finger inside her again and she exploded in a flash of color as he slowed his movements, drawing out her pleasure. She collapsed against him, feeling sated for the moment.

He lifted her in his arms, his body shaking from his own aroused state. He quickly walked the short distance to her room and laid her on top of the blankets. She felt her body quickly become aroused again as she watched him shed his clothes in record time. His glorious body rippled in front of her in the pale moonlight, shining in through the small window. She felt herself quivering, wanting him to join their bodies together. She loved him, and making love with him, knowing he felt the same was taking her to a place beyond ecstasy.

He bent over her, stripping her remaining clothes off, then bent his head to kiss her again, as he rubbed his body over hers. She felt the press of his arousal against her core, and spread her legs wider, wanting him to sink inside her.

He moved his mouth down her throat, scooting further down the bed. She shook her head no. She wanted him pressed into her, now. He ran his hands over her aching breasts, rubbing her beaded nipples between his fingers, causing new sensations to rush through her body. Then, he bent his head and fastened his mouth around one aching bud, sucking it within his mouth, rubbing his tongue along the rosy peak.

Her back arched off the bed. His hand came up and rubbed her other breast, squeezing the nipple, causing her to cry out in pleasure. She couldn’t take anymore. There was too much sensation.

“Please, Max. I need you so much,” she begged him. He moved quickly up her body, needing his own fulfillment. He tested her heat, satisfied she was ready for his solid manhood. As he slipped his tongue back into her mouth, he thrust deep inside her body. They groaned in unison at the exquisite pleasure of being joined together.

He grabbed her hip, raising her higher so he could move deep within her folds, thrusting fast and hard, giving them what they needed. Her body ached as the pressure built in every sensitive place within her. The faster he moved, the more she wanted. She was greedy for everything he could ever give her, and more.

She raked her hands down his back, pulling him tighter, not wanting even a scant centimeter between them. Their bodies slid against each other as a fine sheen of sweat built up on them. She pushed her hips toward him, meeting his every thrust, reaching toward release.

He pushed deep inside and she shattered. Flashes of light appeared beneath her eyelids, as she exploded in a wave of pleasure. She couldn’t believe how she shook with release not long after he’d already sated her body. He shook above her as her body gripped him tightly, pulling him even deeper inside her.

He cried out as he pumped inside her, spilling his seed deep within her womb. After a few more, far gentler thrusts, he collapsed on top of her, his head cradled between her breasts, his breath warming her already hot skin.

They remained lying there for several moments, both of them trying to get their breathing under control. Finally, she couldn’t breathe with his weight on top of her. She didn’t want to move, but she certainly didn’t want to suffocate after so much pleasure. She laughed with joy and humor as she pushed on his shoulder.

“I’d love to lie like this all night, but you’re a bit heavy,” she said.

“Oh, really,” he teased back, but turned so he was on his back and she was draped over his body. “I think I passed out there for a minute,” he told her as he gently brushed her hair from her face. “I love you, Cassie McIntyre. More than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you, Max Anderson, and I will show you every day of our lives how much,” she said. He pulled her head forward and kissed her again. Their bodies were spent, but they enjoyed many hours that night, touching, caressing, and talking about their future.

Cassie fell asleep with a smile still on her face, no longer afraid to dream of her future. Nothing could replace the happiness she felt. She had more than she ever thought possible to want. She would never be lonely again, not with her fiancé, and the added bonus of a huge and loving family.

Epilogue

“I know I shouldn’t complain, but I have to say I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t take credit for Max and Cassie,” George said as he looked at the two people in question. They were taking advantage of the mistletoe still hanging from Christmas.

“Well, at least he’s married, and I can’t believe she’s pregnant, already. Must have been some honeymoon,” Joseph said, patting his brother on the back.

“I can’t wait to hold my new grandbaby,” George said. He loved his newest daughter-in-law. She was a breath of fresh air. His heart had nearly broken when he found out the poor girl had lost her parents in a horrible car accident. At least she had all of them now. She’d never be without family again.

“Well, we still have two of your children to work on,” Joseph said, and George cheered up. His family was right where they were supposed to be all along. The children were gathering often, and the holidays were full of laughter and good-will. He was a happy man.

“Have you noticed the sparks between Cassie’s friend Kinsey, and Austin? They’ve been eyeballing each other all night. I thought I noticed some sparks at the wedding last month, but tonight there seems to be something going on. She’s been shooting him looks, and he’s tried to get her cornered several times,” George said.

“Well, well, looks like the kids may have something started,” Joseph answered with a chuckle. They were going to have to do some investigating. “Why don’t we go ahead and poke the bear a little,” he finished.

George laughed and full-heartedly agreed. Nothing made him happier than watching his children fall in love, get married, and start families of their own. He was a blessed man, indeed.

“Give me a moment, Brother,” George said as he stepped outside on the balcony, thankful to have some time alone.

“I miss you my sweet Amelia, but I know you’re looking down on our children and smiling. They’re good kids. I met someone, and you know you’ll always be the love of my life, but she makes me smile again. Sometimes, it’s just so lonely without you. I know I’d want you to be happy if I’d been the first to go, but I just needed a moment to say goodbye. I’ll keep protecting our kids, and I know you will do the same. I’ll love you forever,” George whispered into the night.

He stepped back into the room and spotted Esther across the room. He smiled. Who knew five years ago life could ever be good once again. He smiled as he rejoined his family and friends so they could ring in the New Year together.