Crying out, she closed her eyes and ground her hips downward, wanting Shamus as deep as she could take him. She heard him groan as his hips rose up from the bed one final time. It wasn't the most explosive climax either of them had ever had, but it was the most emotional, at least for her.
As if a dam had been released on her emotions, tears began to flood her eyes. She tried to blink them back, but there were too many of them. Shamus didn't question them, but carefully withdrew from her and helped her to lie back down into his arms.
Gradually, the tears subsided and Shamus stirred. She was reluctant to move, but rolled over onto her back. Shamus got out of bed and carefully made his way to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he was back with a glass of water and a damp cloth.
She was past being embarrassed by such things and let him help her get cleaned up. Gratefully, she took the glass of water and sipped. Shamus crawled back into bed beside her and urged her back into his arms.
"How do you feel?” His voice was almost a whisper as if he too felt the need to keep the intimate mood that surrounded them.
She thought about it for a minute and although she was aching from head to toe, she felt good. “I'm doing okay. You?” She brushed her hand over the small patch of wiry hair on his chest.
"As long as you're here in my arms, I'm just fine.” He paused. “I know that there's been a lot happening the past couple of weeks."
Cyndi gave a watery hiccup. “That's certainly an understatement."
Shamus chuckled. “I suppose it is. Since B & O is now officially doing the renovation on your house, I'll supervise and keep on top of things."
She stopped stroking his chest and stared up into his face. “That's fine, as long as you don't overdo things. They can't go much further until I make some decisions about flooring, color and cabinets and such."
"Tomorrow is time enough for you to worry about that. They're still working on the outer wall. If they get done before the cabinets and flooring is delivered we can repaint the downstairs rooms.” He paused and changed the subject. “My family is coming around."
"They seem to be.” She didn't want him to have false hopes. “They may not ever truly accept me."
"I think they will. Once they know who you really are."
She hoped so too, for both their sakes. “Aunt Verna has certainly taken a shine to you."
He smiled. “She sure is one tough lady. I like her.” He stroked his hand down her arm and she snuggled closer to his warmth. “I know a lot has happened and I don't want to rush you into anything."
She could hear the underlying question. “But?"
His grip on her tightened fractionally. He released a pent up breath as he released her. “But, I'd like you to consider marrying me."
Cyndi pushed out of his hold and sat up slowly. “What did you say?"
"Marry me.” It was there between them, stark and raw. She looked deep into his eyes and saw the loneliness and need. It matched what existed inside her.
She knew deep down in her heart that she'd never meet another man who suited her as well as Shamus did. They'd have their share of problems. They were both stubborn people, and then there was his family. But never would she doubt his love for her. It was in everything he did, every word he spoke.
"It won't be easy,” she began solemnly.
A slow grin split his face. “I never went for easy."
She nodded. “Then I guess I'll think about it."
Shamus framed her face with his large, rough hand. “I love you, Cyndi. Marry me."
She covered his hands with hers, feeling the difference in their strength, loving their differences as much as their similarities. “What about children? I'm almost forty years old.” This was something that worried her when she thought about them having a life together.
"Do you want a child?” Shamus was staring into her eyes as he spoke, but she honestly couldn't tell from his expression how he felt about this issue.
"I honestly don't know.” No, she wasn't being truly honest with herself or with him. “Maybe,” she began. “Maybe a little boy.” She could picture a miniature Shamus running around, getting into all sorts of trouble.
"Or a little girl.” He shook his head and gave her a soft smile. “Doesn't matter if we have children or not. I want you as my wife. Children would just be a bonus."
Drawing in a deep breath, she took the plunge that would change her life forever. “I love you too. And yes, I'll marry you."
Shamus levered himself up and kissed her. Their lips met and clung. It was a kiss of passion, of possession, and of belonging. This was home. Not a place or a building, but here with Shamus.
It was a beginning.
Epilogue
Cyndi fussed with the buffet table one final time. Even to her critical eye, everything looked perfect. Wine glasses sparkled, waiting to be filled. China platters filled with hors d'oeuvres lined the linen tablecloth, and decadent chocolate delights graced delicate, crystal plates.
A heavy arm snaked around her waist. “It looks perfect."
She leaned back against Shamus and sighed. “It does, doesn't it?” The room was one of many that had undergone a total transformation over the past few months. It was light and airy, yet warm and inviting. Seven tables were scattered around the room, five of them would seat four people, and two of them would seat two. At the moment, they were all empty.
"They should be here any minute.” He wrapped his fingers around her left hand and lifted it. The light from the chandelier reflected off the diamond on her finger. She could still hardly believe that they'd officially announced their engagement at Christmas. Unofficially, they'd been engaged since that night back in October, but they'd kept it to themselves for a few months, allowing time for relations to improve with Shamus's family. It was almost the end of January, but she had to pinch herself every day just to reassure herself it all wasn't a dream.
The wedding was set for the first of March, which didn't give her much time to plan, but Shamus was insistent. He didn't even want to wait that long, but Cyndi had put her foot down. She wanted a proper wedding that included his family. He'd given in as soon as he realized how important it was to her.
Even the holidays had gone better than she'd expected. Shamus's family was making an honest effort, and it was starting to pay off. Things still weren't where she'd like them to be, but they were getting better. Cyndi had struck up an immediate friendship with Shamus's nephew, Shane, as soon as the teenager had discovered she liked baseball and was quite knowledgeable about it.
Shannon was accepting and the two women were getting along well. Patrick was still reserved, but even he'd thawed quite a bit over the past few months. Dani and Burke were trying and that was all that mattered to her.
There were still people who turned up their noses at her, but she had just as many people who were friendly. Alicia was now handling all Cyndi's legal and business affairs, but beyond that, they were good friends. Even her Aunt Verna was talking about selling her business in Vermont and retiring to Jamesville. Cyndi knew that her aunt wasn't ready to retire and would probably end up helping her run this place, which was fine with her.
"You okay?"
She realized she'd been quiet for far too long. Turning, she peered up at Shamus. “I'm better than okay.” She cupped his face in her hands and went up on her toes to kiss him. “I love you."
"I love you too.” He wrapped his arm around her and deepened the kiss. The sound of the front bell ringing made them reluctantly separate. “Damn, my family has impeccable timing."
Cyndi laughed as they walked arm in arm to the front door. “I can't wait to see what they think of the place.” Her B & B was ready for business and her first guests would arrive in a week's time on the first of February.