The Wedding Pact Box Set - Denise Grover Swank Page 0,364

on it all afternoon and into the evening, fumbling a couple of times, but altering the shape enough to accommodate his mistakes. When he took it off the lathe, he decided it wasn’t half bad. He squared off the ends with a band saw and then sat in his grandfather’s chair. He was sanding the piece when he heard a dog bark.

He hadn’t seen or heard any dogs at the neighbor’s house, but he supposed it could be a visiting dog. He didn’t think much of it, until a large animal burst through the partially open workshop door.

He jumped in surprise and gasped. “Tortoise?”

The dog spun in circles with happiness, then put his front legs on Noah’s lap, begging for attention.

“How . . . ?” If Tortoise was here, then Libby . . .

She stood in the doorway, more beautiful than he remembered her. Her long hair was loose and wavy, skimming over the top of her breasts. She wore a green sweater paired with dark jeans that clung to her hips, and a pair of brown boots. He couldn’t believe she was there. How?

Megan.

He still sat in the chair, Tortoise excitedly licking his face. Without thinking, Noah nudged the dog down and stood.

Libby stayed perfectly still in the open door, worry in her eyes. “Noah, I’m so sor—”

He didn’t let her finish. He scooped her into his arms and kissed her hard. This had to be a dream.

When he lifted his head, tears streaked down her cheeks and fear filled his chest. “Lib, what’s wrong?”

“You still love me. I was so scared you’d hate me.”

He shook his head in disbelief. “Oh God, Lib. I could never hate you. Never in a million years.”

“I was so wrong. I should have trusted you.”

“Shh.” He kissed her into silence, his tongue seeking hers. Her arms tightened around his neck as he lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he carried her across the yard and in through the back door, Tortoise following on his heels. He took her to the master bedroom and set her on her feet, cupping her face in his hands. “I never thought I’d see you again, much less touch you.”

“I was miserable without you, Noah. I need you.”

“I need you too.” He pulled her sweater over her head, then paused. “I got my test results today. I’m clean.”

“So no condoms?” she asked hopefully, giving him a sly look.

“No condoms. Thank God. I don’t have any here.”

They undressed each other, then made love in a combination of passion and reverence. Afterward, he held her in his arms.

“You were right,” she whispered.

His hold on her tightened. “Those are my second three favorite words,” he teased.

She laughed. “And your first three?”

“Hearing you say I love you.” He gave her a long leisurely kiss. “But what was I right about?”

“You said I was looking for an excuse to leave you first. My dad’s words were ringing in my head, and I wasn’t thinking straight.” She looked up at him. “I saw him when I was twelve. I never told anyone.” Then she told him about the horrible visit that left her more scarred than she’d realized.

“You kept that to yourself all these years.” His voice broke. “Oh, Libby. The man was a fool. You are the most lovable person I’ve ever known.” He cupped her face and kissed her again, then smiled against her lips. “I can’t believe you came back to me.”

“Blair and Megan helped me come to my senses.”

He chuckled. “Megan worked some of her wiles on me yesterday.” Then he realized how well his sister-in-law had orchestrated their reunion. “Wait here.” He stopped in the doorway and looked back at the most beautiful woman in the world, still in disbelief that she was naked in his bed. “Are you hungry?”

“Only for you,” was her husky response.

He felt his own body respond. “I plan to keep you very busy that way, but I’m talking about actual food.”

Her teasing fell away. “I only want you, Noah.”

“I’m all yours.”

He came back a few minutes later, grinning ear to ear. “Megan must have had a lot of faith we’d work things out.” He held a tray stacked with cheese, crackers, and fruit, along with two juice cups and the bottle of champagne. “She left a note saying I’d know when to use this.”

Libby sat upright in bed, letting the sheet pool in her lap, and the sight of her bare breasts was tantalizing enough for him to want