Chase took over, undressing her, pausing to arouse and stimulate each and every inch of her luscious skin. He lowered the zipper and helped her wriggle off her pants and lace undies all at the same time. He started fondling her with his hands and followed with laps of his tongue and nips of his teeth. So that by the time he came down on top of her, bare skin against bare skin, her damp, wet body was more than ready for his heated flesh.
And he entered her, here and now, in a perfect attempt to create their future.
EPILOGUE
Raina wrapped her hands tighter around Eric’s waist and let him lead her around the patio. She was dancing at her own wedding. They’d decided to have a small, intimate family affair at Raina’s house.
By Yorkshire Falls’ standards, that meant a revolving door of more than one hundred people at any given time, pets included, passing through and giving good wishes. But what mattered most to Raina was family. Hers and Eric’s, gathered here together for the first time.
Roman stood by Charlotte, who held their baby in her arms. Oh, Lilly had captured Raina’s heart and she would break the hearts of many men in her lifetime. Raina chuckled at that thought, as only a grandmother could.
And then there was Rick and Kendall. Their family had begun with Hannah, Kendall’s sister, who was now charming the teenage boys and keeping them on their toes. Raina laughed. She and Hannah had developed the most wonderful relationship, as if they’d been grandmother and granddaughter all along. And Raina had a hunch Hannah would soon be joined by another child in the house. Considering the full waist of Kendall’s dress, Raina would guess that a little one wasn’t more than seven or so months away. But she knew better than to ask.
Rick wouldn’t answer personal questions. He was keeping his personal life private—
something Raina finally not only understood, but also accepted. She was willing to wait for whenever Kendall got pregnant, no pushing from Raina. Even if her real heart scare did make grandchildren feel more urgent, it was up to her son to decide. But another baby, close in age to Lilly, would be wonderful. Another generation of Chandlers growing up in Yorkshire Falls, Raina thought proudly.
Ending with Chase and Sloane’s children? Raina glanced over at her oldest son. He’d never seemed happier. Even if he was yet another of her children who wasn’t divulging many details of his personal life, except for the fact that he and Sloane were going to be married in Washington, D.C., next month. Though Raina wanted to help, they refused to let her overdo. Sloane and Madeline Carlisle were handling the actual wedding planning, working around the senator’s busy schedule on the campaign trail. But they consulted Raina whenever possible, making her feel at home and welcome, and she was grateful.
She had no doubt—babies would follow.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Eric said, tightening his hand around her waist. “Feeling okay?”
She smiled up at him, her good fortune overwhelming her. “I’m just at a loss for words.”
“Should I tell Chase to stop the presses?” he asked, laughing.
She shook her head. “Don’t tease me. I’m too afraid all these good things won’t last.”
He slowed their step, leaning his head closer. “Any reason why they shouldn’t?” He rested his cheek against hers and a warm fluttering rose in her stomach.
He made her feel safe and secure, and, she admitted, so did the setting around her. “No, no reason at all. I’ve got my children, their families, and you. What more could a woman ask for?”
He grinned. “Not one single solitary thing.”
She laughed because he was right. Raina had learned many things since she’d begun her charade, the most important being that life was what you made of it. And with the Chandler men, they’d make all things good and most things possible. Eric sweetened the deal.
Raina’s family had a lifetime of possibilities ahead of them, and she intended to enjoy each and every one.