“You lost the competition, but won the man.” Ami’s tone was cheerful as she sipped her club soda.

“I don’t want this to go public, but I’m not heartbroken Egg Harbor edged us out.” Eliza’s gaze lingered on the friends and family gathered on the expanse of backyard green. “A small intimate wedding was always my dream.”

Eliza spotted Kyle standing with her brother and Beck. Her father was there, too, and listening, for a change. But it was Kyle who drew her gaze. Her husband might prefer work boots and jeans, but the man sure knew how to rock a tux.

Tall. Dark. Handsome.

And all mine…

“Seeing you this morning at the top of your stairs, on your father’s arm.” Ami sighed. “You took my breath away.”

Eliza had worn the black gown from Swoon, her hair styled in vintage rolls and tucks, a bouquet of white roses cradled in her arms.

Ami gazed admiringly at her. “Not only do you look amazing, you smell wonderful.”

“I’d like to take credit for the scent, but the sweet fragrance doesn’t belong to me.” Eliza slid her gaze to a nearby table where two dozen white roses in full bloom spilled from a crystal vase. “Kyle gave me those. They still smell terrific.”

The bouquet had arrived Sunday, shortly before she and Kyle had left for dinner at Jeremy’s house.

Eliza knew her pleasure in the unexpected gift had bolstered his spirits for the meeting with his biological father. An encounter that had gone much better than either of them had anticipated. The fact that Jeremy had decided to prepare his parents for Kyle’s bombshell likely had something to do with the ease.

“I wish Prim and Max could have been here.”

“Too busy having a baby.” Ami expelled a happy sigh. “A healthy little girl. Nine pounds, three ounces.”

“Be sure and tell her congratulations.” Eliza thought of her and Kyle. Would a baby or two be part of their future? The surge of excitement Elisa experienced at the thought told her it wouldn’t be long until she was ready for that adventure. “I can’t wait to see the newest member of the Brody household.”

“Fin is having a family barbecue at the farm on June second,” Ami explained. “You and Kyle will see Prim and the baby then.”

Eliza cocked her head. “But if it’s a family event, we wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“Jeremy and Kyle are brothers.” Ami squeezed her arm. “That makes you family.”

“You know about Jeremy and Kyle?”

Ami’s cheeks pinked. “You know what they say. There are no secrets in Good Hope.”

Eliza chuckled. Truer words were never spoken.

Ami had just left in search of her baby, who’d been spotted in Lynn Chapin’s arms, when Katherine and Lolo hurried up.

“You’ve got yourself a good man.” Katherine squeezed Eliza’s hand, her eyes misty.

“I know.”

“We’re sisters.” Lolo smiled hugely, the sunlight glinting off her braces. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you yesterday, but K.T. gave me his cell number. This way we can stay in touch.”

Love for the girl who was now her little sister welled up and spilled over. She pulled Lolo to her for a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

Eliza released her hold when she saw Scott and Erin Kendrick approach. She’d already fallen in love with her in-laws. After promising a trip to Kentucky very soon, Eliza went searching for her husband.

She started when she felt an arm slide around her shoulders, then looked up and smiled. Simply being close to her new husband brought a wave of warmth rushing through her veins.

His lips brushed her cheek. “I’m a lucky man.”

As together they greeted their guests, it seemed to Eliza as if the sun shone a little brighter and even the roses smelled a little sweeter.

“Maybe every bride feels that way on her wedding day,” she told Kyle when the last person had left and they were finally alone.

“I’m not a bride, but that’s exactly how I feel.” Kyle gave her a twirl, then pulled her tight against him.

“Having friends and family celebrate with us made the day even more perfect.”

“We’ll have to have them all over sometime.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I’m loving this spontaneous side of you, Mrs. Kendrick.” Kyle took her hand, studying her ring for a second. Then he looked up and grinned. “Next thing I know, you’ll be inviting friends to drop over to our home unannounced.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She entwined her fingers with his.

“I’ve got something for you.”

Her gaze dropped to the front of his trousers. “I hope you do.”

He laughed. “I like the way you think. But that comes later.”

Kyle reached into his jacket. With a flourish, he held out a legal-sized envelope to her.

Eliza opened the envelope and scanned the paper inside. Puzzled, she looked up. “The deed is in my name.”

“Your grandmother loved you. She wanted you to have the house.” Kyle’s voice remained light. “I love you, and I want you to have the house. It’s my wedding gift to you.”

“Thank you, but it’s our home now.” She smiled up at him. “I didn’t get you a gift.”

“You’re my gift.” He kissed her gently. “For the rest of my life, you’ll be the best gift I ever receive.”

He took her arm and casually steered her to the front of the house.

“Something wrong with the back door?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

They climbed the front steps hand-in-hand and stood looking out over Good Hope.

Eliza slanted a sideways glance at her husband, resplendent in his dark tux. Her husband. She could scarcely believe he was all hers.

“What’s with the smile?” he teased.

“Just planning my strategy.”

He inclined his head.

“The fastest way to get you out of that tux.”

He trailed a finger up her bare arm. “Why does it have to be fast? We have all night and the rest of our lives.”

Eliza shivered beneath his touch. “I like the sound of that.”

“But first things first.” Without warning, he scooped her into his arms.

She shrieked with surprise, unable to stop the laughter bubbling up. “What are you doing?”

“Carrying my bride across the threshold of our home.” His voice shook with emotion. “This action will officially mark the start of a long, wonderful life together.”

Eliza looped her arms around his neck.

He pretended to almost drop her just as they reached the threshold, which only caused her to cling even more tightly to him.

That was okay, Eliza realized. Being strong didn’t mean you couldn’t lean. Especially when someone you trusted and loved with your whole heart had your back.