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His kiss is urgent and demanding. We move quickly into the shower, consumed by our love for each other…and the endless amounts of steam.
Epilogue
LUCY
ONE YEAR LATER…
It’sas if I escaped reality and found myself as the main character starring in one of Henry’s romantic movies.Romantic comedy with all the twists and turns we’ve endured in the last year.
Here I stand, admiring my home in this small English town while snow falls in light flurries around me. Henry swears I brought the snow with me last year because that was the first time he had so much snow since buying this place. I’ll gladly be its source and I hope it returns every winter.
We practically moved in together right after the New Year celebration. While he was working on the movie, he stayed at my place in London for an easier commute, and whenever he had extended time off, we stayed here.
For Valentine’s Day, Henry had the spare room that was once originally planned for my stay, but I never slept in, converted into a home office for me. More thankfulthan ever for my remote teaching position—it never prevents me from traveling with him. Although, after a year on the movie set, I am considering another career change.
I’ve suggested getting rid of the London apartment, but Henry insists on keeping it for the memories and a permanent place to stay while we are visiting everyone in the city.
Even the townhouse will be switching tenants soon. Oliver and Hannah are shopping for their own place, still deciding if they want to live in the city or not. Mia has decided to move in with Finn, neither wanting to leave the city anytime soon.
Now that filming has ended for Henry’s adaptation ofPride & Prejudiceand is in the middle of post-production, we are spending more and more time away from the city. We did get to fly back to New York a couple of times during the year for Henry to meet my mom. They got along so well. I think he may be more competitive now that he’s trying to fit into our family.
Ellie switched teams at the beginning of the year and we got to see her in action at a couple of their games. She certainly has her hands full with a player that’s benched with an injury or something. Although, I teased her the entire time that he’s secretly in love with her.Payback.
The backdoor of the kitchen creaks as Henry emerges in his sexy winter outfit. Only he can make a tracksuit, puffer vest, and ski cap look just as sexy as a three-piece suit. His salt-and-pepper facial hair accents perfectly with the all-black outfit.
I shiver, thinking about how much I love it when thatbeard glides over my bare skin. I’d stay out here all day just to gawk at this man.
My leading man.
“With your love for the snow, I’m surprised you moved to England, darling. I’m sure there are other locations that get more snow.” He stands behind me, leaning forward to place his chin on my shoulder. “But I’m not complaining.”
“Yes, but the rare snow here makes it all the more special when it arrives,” I share.
“Very special, indeed.” His nose snuggles against my ear. “Dinner is just about finished. Do you care to join me?”
“Of course.” Holding his hand, we trudge through the snow back to our home. Henry kept tonight’s dinner a secret.
As soon as we walk into the kitchen, the smell of garlic fills my nose. I look around and notice he is preparing Max’s chicken Alfredo recipe, one of my favorites.
I remember when Max offered to make it for me himself when I was visiting the set and Henry became adorably jealous. I politely declined.
“Well, It’s just about the anniversary since the last time I made it for you, so I thought it could become a tradition of ours after Christmas when we have the house to ourselves.” I’m still adjusting to the quiet since everyone left this morning to visit their relatives.
With that being said, I welcome the privacy and having him all to myself. Henry will never cease to amaze me with his unlimited supply of romantic ideas.
That reminds me. “Should I run and put that dress onagain? I do believe many firsts happened that magical night a year ago,” I tease.
“No need for the dress, I think tomorrow will be our formal date night in the evening. I have a new recipe I want to try.” He looks up from his pan. “Less garlic than this one.”
With a laugh, I reply. “Well, I’m very much looking forward to the abundance of garlic in this meal.” I peek over his shoulder to see the sauce before gathering the place settings for us.
The first bite of fettuccine melts in my mouth as I devour the endless flavor. “You are an exceptional cook,” I praise him.
“If it weren’t for Max’s recipes, I wouldn’t know where to start, but he’s a good teacher.” Henry smiles at the mention of his friend.
“Good dancer too…and perhaps he’s finally found the perfect dance partner.” I play coy.
“Did you plan that all along?”
