Page 108 of One Kind Soul

“Dammit.” He slid off the bed, walked out of the bedroom, and returned with the travel-sized, magnetic checkers he’d bought her as a gag for the plane ride home. “Well, we’re at least going to play naked.”

After tossing the small checkers set on the bed, he removed his T-shirt she was wearing then wiggled out of his boxers before joining her on the mattress.

Nicole reached for the game, but Christian’s hand closed over hers first. “I will make love to you if you let me win.”

“You’re going to make love to me when I win.”

“So either way, we’re making love?”

“Yup.”

“Okay.”

Naturally, she won and though Christian pouted a bit, he wasted no time in snuggling up next to her once the game board was pushed aside. He draped his arm over her waist in a possessive hold.

“This is going to be our official sleep position,” he whispered before nipping her ear. “Just so you know.”

She settled in deeper beside him. “I approve.”

When they woke up in the morning—in that same position after several more rounds of making love—she realized he wasn’t joking. He meant to hold her like that every night. Realistically, Nicole understood that probably wouldn’t happen. They’d get restless or need their separate bed space now and again, but the fact that he wanted to sleep like that with her made his adorability factor skyrocket.

Christian appeared to want physical contact with her at all times because after taking a shuttle to the airport with the last of their belongings in a large suitcase, he held her hand as they weaved through the crowds toward their departure gate, during the entire flight, and when they touched down in Vermont. He held it as they got their luggage, while they found his truck in the parking lot, and when he got onto the highway to head to Maplehaven.

The man only let go of her hand when they arrived at the farm. They both got out of the truck, then Christian swept her up into his arms and ran for the barn where they found Zip and Clover and the pack cats.

“Guys!” he shouted, setting her back on her feet. “Say hi to your mama!”

Tibbs let out one of his loud meows.

“Thanks for the official welcome, Tibbs.” Nicole crouched to pet the kitty. “I’ve thought about being a cat mommy in the past, but never considered being a horse mommy.” She ran her hand down Clover’s muzzle. “I hope I’m good at it.”

Christian hugged her from behind. “Of course you’ll be good at it. You’re amazing.”

“You make me feel amazing.” She leaned her head back then pressed a kiss to his jaw.

Voices from outside the barn made them head out, pack cats scurrying around their feet. Tessa ran straight for them and Nicole couldn’t resist running for her bestie. They met in the middle of the area between the barn and the farmhouse, embraced, and jumped around in a spastic circle while squealing in excitement.

“You’re engaged!” Tessa shouted. “You’re alive, you’re staying in Vermont, and you’re engaged!”

“Yes, yes, and yes!” Nicole squeezed her friend, so happy she and Tessa would get to see each other every day if they wanted to. “And by marrying brothers, doesn’t that somehow make us sisters?”

“I’m not sure, but it feels like it should!”

“Then let’s say it does!”

Donovan moseyed over to Christian, pretending to plug his ears from the women’s craziness. He stuck out his hand and Christian shook it.

“Congratulations, little brother.” He angled his head toward the women. “We know how to pick ’em, don’t we?”

“That we do.”

Donovan clapped him on the back as Landon and Aliza pulled up. Aliza instantly joined the women and got their squealing going again while Landon strolled over to Christian and Donovan.

“Wow, that’s loud.” He rubbed his right ear and shook his head then gave Christian a bear hug. “You had to copy your big brothers, didn’t you?”

“I figured if you two knuckleheads could do it, so could I. After all, I am the more handsome of the Henley brothers.” He dodged a shove from both of them. “Hey, now. Don’t mess up the goods. Nicole only agreed to marry me because I’m so hot.”

“I heard that,” Nicole said as the women joined the men. “And it’s pretty much true.” She wrapped her arms around Christian’s waist. “Tell me we can get married right here on the farm.”