Cade squinted at the faint, orange sunlight slanting over to the bed from the opened window of their bedroom suite. He scratches the remaining sleep off his eyes and reoriented himself of the hardwood floors and modern paneling of the houseboat he'd bought from Reese Forester. He wanted to do something for Kathie and getting away on weekends was the right suggestion Walsh has given him.
The Foresters has accompanied him to see some properties – specifically big, cozy houses that have so much room for children to run around.
Nathan and Spencer suggested reclusive properties away from the city. As tempting as it was, he couldn't do it to Kathie. She loves parties. And the lively parties were her scene.
Colin agreed with him given Cade couldn't shut up about her when he hangs out with the guys. They knew well that a big house without the city noise is an isolation to Kathie.
A soft sigh splintered his thoughts. Curled endings of a beautiful brown hair tickled his arm. He looks down to a sleeping Kathie next to him and... smiled.
He had planned a whole day of sightseeing for them, but he had to answer a call and when he came back the bedroom, she was already fast asleep.
Kathie nuzzled his neck, her hand going over to his left chest, over his heart. The ring on her finger sparkled when it caught the soft ray of the setting sun.
His heart plumped at the sight of the engagement ring. He hadn't mind that she slept the entire afternoon because she was understandably exhausted from planning their wedding up to the last detail. He thought hiring wedding planners would somehow relieve her from the bridal duties, but she wanted to be hands-on as possible.
Kathie stirred from her sleep. She murmurs his name and nuzzled further to his neck.
Cade grinned like an idiot. He'd like to think she takes him with her in her dreams.
Unable to resist, he dusted kisses on her shoulder, breathing her in. There was a sweet hint of strawberry from the perfume she wore because she knew he'll like it. But mostly it was all Kathie that he couldn't get enough of.
She lets out a sleepy giggle when his kisses reached her neck. And then they were both awake.
Cade rolled her onto her back and he gently lowers himself atop her. "Slept well?" He twirled a smooth a strand of her hair to his finger.
She nodded. "How long was I out?"
"Not that long." He props his elbow and patterned the fragile line of her collar bone with kisses.
She shivered underneath. Her head turn to the side and stiffened at the setting sun outside the window. "Cade, is that sunset?"
"Yes."
Kathie gasped. "I slept the whole day? Why didn't you wake me up?" She cupped his jaw with her hand so she could see his face.
"Don't feel bad. I fell asleep watching you sleep."
She pushes at his shoulders until they were both sitting upright. "But you had the entire day planned for us and I wasted it all away."
"It wasn't wasted. You slept long enough for me to take advantage of you."
The worried furrow of her brows straightened followed by a smile she was trying to hold back. "You're just trying to make me laugh."
He chuckled. "We still have tonight though."
"Really?" Just like that, her bright smile was back on. "What do you have in mind?"
"A date with your husband-to-be?" He arranged dinner plans alongside his assistant. Preferably a private date and the houseboat was just the right kind of private. He reaches over the edge of the bed and found the shopping bag he'd discreetly brought with them.
Kathie narrows her eyes curiously. "Is that for me?"
He laid the bag between them and nodded, grinning boyishly.
She peeked inside and gasped delightfully at the dress he carefully picked himself. "Cadey, you chose this for me?"
"You like it?"
She threw her arms around his neck and showered his face with kisses. "I love it! I'm gonna need a minute to get ready."
He gave her a look, knowing minute meant several of them. They've been together long enough for him to know better.
"I need to look good for my husband-to-be." She shrugged, kissing his nose.
"You already look beautiful."
She giggled. "How about I put it on and you get to take it off later tonight? What do you say?" She caresses his jaw, stroking his cheek with her finger.
"I'd say not to joke about things like that." He held her wrist and plants a kiss on her palm.
Kathie turns her head from side to side. "No joke. It was a bribe."
"Okay. You got me," he relented.
She gives him a winning smile.
Cade gave in. He waited patiently for her to get ready. And when he finally sees her, the wait was worth it.
Kathie stepped out onto the upper deck an hour later (See? A minute literally meant several). Cade watches as she approaches the table situated near the boat rail. The black off-shoulder dress even more appealing now that she's in it. She put on a minimal makeup and she left her hair down, the light breeze ruffling its bouncy ends.
Cade doubts his breaths will ever stop getting taken away by this gorgeous woman.
She walks past the table that was stuffed with sea food – his brother Andrei's handiwork.
He extended a hand to her and she took it. They stood by the rail, water quietly lapping right below. The sun has sunk into the horizon, drawing a line of a dying yellow and orange.
Kathie looks up to his face, the chirpy smile in place. "Have you made decisions about your best man?"
His nose crinkled.
"It can be one of your brothers or friends. Just someone who will not get swayed by my maid of honor. You know how Jessica is."
"You mean someone who will not flirt back? I'd say, Andrei maybe?"
She laughs. "Smart choice."
"Now stop stressing about the wedding." He tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear.
She leans to his palm. "I want it to be perfect for you."
"It's already been perfect the moment you said yes to marrying me."
Her eyes twinkled and her cheeks turn a tad pink. "Cadey."
"I love you so much. No wedding planning can change that." He takes her hand to his lips and kisses the finger where the ring fit perfectly.
She sniffles a little and her eyes went suspiciously wet. "I love you too, Cade. So much."
He drew her closer until there wasn't any space between them. He slanted his mouth over hers with purpose and deliberate and need.
Kathie wound her arms around his neck, submitting to him.
Cade secured his hand around her hips and very gently hoisted her up the rail locking her legs around his waist.
She tunneled her fingers into his hair, parting her lips for him when he voicelessly asked for entrance.
Cade could get lost in her for the rest of his life. There's nowhere else in the world he'd ever want to be.
Kathie Jane Lewis was his right place to be.
He pulled back slightly and looked at her brown eyes. "I've had all things sweet in my life but nothing will ever be as sweet as you."
THE END
I can't believe this book reached its "finale." Ugh. I've completed three books (Oh, my gosh, I did!) of the Baby Blue Series and there's always a bittersweet feeling every time I type the words "The End." Every. Single. Time. However, I find comfort with the fact that this is not entirely the end of their story. They are still in the next books of the series, living the married life, living their happily ever after.
Anyways, I'd like to thank every single one of you for reaching the end of this book. Either you found this book by accident or you've been a reader from the first book of the series or you've read this book before and decided to read this new version, I LOVE YOU! 2020 wasn't easy but writing this book helped me cope. And even better, I found awesome readers who eventually became close friends. 🤧 Okay, I'm gonna have to stop. You know I love you, right?
Happy new year, lovelies! I have many more books to write this year. :) Hope you stay with me for another year.