Chapter 40: The First Real Kiss

This time, there was absolutely no hesitation, no sudden darting inside the front door before a nervous blush could settle across her cheeks. James stepped in close, his strong hand gently cupping the back of her neck just as he had done up on Lookout Ridge, and leaned down to press his lips softly against hers. It was a gentle, unhurried kiss that tasted faintly of sweet vanilla milkshale and autumn wind, sealing years of unspoken devotion into a single, perfect moment that felt entirely like coming home.