Page 92 of Here With Me

His head tipped to the side. “I’m sorry.”

“No, the last part. Say it again, please.”

“Be a team?”

She nodded. “Those are the most romantic words you could say to me, David Williams.”

“I want to be a team…with you, Sadie.” Confidence laced his words and stole her breath. “I could say it again. Or I could do this.” Ever so slowly, he started to close the gap between their lips. His nose brushed against hers. Still, she waited for his kiss, her heart pounding against her ribs. It would be so easy to lean forward, close the space between them, but she held still, loving the feel of his breath on her face, the pressure of his hand as he held her in place. Not that she had any intention of moving.

Finally, finally, his mouth claimed hers. Slowly, tenderly, his kiss promised every moment, every tomorrow, every dream. It held all the excitement of a first kiss and the comfort of forever.

She returned his promises with a few of her own until his lips broke from hers, and he moved to the soft spot behind her ear.

His breath tickled her skin as he moved slowly back toward her mouth, his clean fragrance surrounding her. When his lips finally pressed to hers, he tasted of comfort and home. Friendship and forever. Peace and adventure. Her past and her future. As she returned each of David’s promises, excitement settled over her.

David slowed the kiss. Lingering. Savoring. She memorized the moment, the start of their forever. When he pulled away, Sadie sighed, his lips addictive. He leaned down and brushed one more gentle kiss on her waiting mouth.

“I love you, David.”

“It will always be you.” David wrapped his arms around her, and she relaxed against his chest.

The time had finally come for love, for peace, but only after she’d learned to trust God. When she had reached a point where she’d lost it all, God had stepped in, working miracle after miracle, giving her Lottie, saving the store, and restoring her relationship with David.

Ten years ago, ten days ago even, she had no hope for a happy ending, and yet God had worked it all out, giving her everything she’d ever dreamed of. She’d experienced heartbreak, again and again, but to have this moment, she’d face it all over again. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

David kissed the top of her head. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Thank you for reading Here With Me! Return to Heritage with Christmas With You, releasing this October!

What do you get when you have an ex-navy SEAL, a Christmas tree farm, and first-time nanny? Find out in the third book of the Home to Heritage series, Christmas with You.

Fallon James has lost everything—her husband, her job, and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she returns to her hometown of Heritage, Michigan, only to find her family's once-thriving Christmas tree farm on the brink of ruin. Determined to save the farm, Fallon throws herself into the struggle, but she can't do it alone.

Enter Cole Scott, Fallon's high school friend and now a single dad working odd jobs to support his two kids. Cole agrees to help Fallon in exchange for her watching his children while he travels for a lucrative security job. As they work side by side, old tensions resurface, but so does an undeniable attraction. However, Fallon harbors a secret that could change everything.

Just as the farm starts to see success, Fallon's former company unleashes a devastating lawsuit, threatening to destroy everything she and Cole have built. With time running out and her dreams slipping away, Fallon must make a choice that could cost her the love and family she's always wanted. Worse, a shocking turn of events forces Cole to confront what truly matters most.

Can Fallon and Cole overcome the secrets, lies, and legal battles that stand between them? Or will they lose the farm, their love, and the future they've risked everything to build?

Filled with heartwarming holiday cheer, pulse-pounding suspense, and the magic of second chances, this unforgettable tale of love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas will keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of small-town romance, single dad heroes, and holiday happily-ever-afters, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to overcome even the darkest of times.