Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters) by Ava Catori

this.”
    Their kiss was tender and soft. As she parted her lips, letting him in, their mouths met with a hunger they hadn’t felt in a while. She recognized his kiss, and knew it would be okay. She hated that at the moment he asked her to marry him, she didn’t respond right away. Hannah didn’t mean to hurt him. What they had, she wanted it back. She’d missed the feeling that was now surging through her veins. This was what she needed. She was one again with the man she loved.
    Bryce moved to the edge of the bed and sat on it, pulling her onto his lap. Their kisses grew sweeter, hotter, and more passionate. Hannah turned , and kneeled over his lap. His hands grasped her bottom and pulled her closer. Hannah’s hands raked through Bryce’s hair, and as their mouths shared in a heated moment, their bodies clung together, holding on to one another.
    It was too dangerous to remain here. Bryce was afraid he’d want more. His body was stirring below, and with Hannah on top of him like this, even still wearing her clothing, he ached to touch her naked skin.
    Bryce’s mouth moved from her sweet lips down to her neck. Brushing his lips against her skin, Hannah threw back her head, enjoying the sensual tingling on her skin. Suckling her neck, his hot breath on her skin, Hannah felt her arousal grow. This was getting dangerous. She wanted to undress, wanted to climb under the covers with him, and wanted to take things further than they’d ever gone before.
    He sensed it too, knowing they were teetering on the edge of temptation. “Why don’t we go in the other room?”
    “Right, good idea,” she said, relieved he’d suggested it. She was certain she’d be making love to him in moments if they didn’t break apart now. Heading out to the living room, Bryce shifted himself, his erection reminding him how close they were coming to the fire. Not yet. He wanted her to be sure, and he’d gladly wait.
    The couple sat next to one another, unable to look away. Their gaze spoke of the chemistry between them again, and Hannah knew their intimacy would be okay. “I’m sorry I took so long to answer.”
    “You don’t need to apologize. I just want you to be certain this is what you want.”
    “More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”
    Bryce squeezed her hand. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
    “I hope I can make you even happier when I’m your wife.”
    “If it feels anything like this, then I’d say I’ve already won.”
    “You’re a good man, Bryce.”
    He smiled and wrapped his arm around his future bride.
    Driving back home, H annah’s mind drifted to the events of the day. It’s not like she expected some romantic gesture like she’d seen in the movies; it’s just that it seemed so sudden. They’d only been getting to know each other this past year, with some bumps along the way. Why was he in a hurry? Why had she said yes? Was it so she didn’t hurt his feelings, or did she really want to get married? She loved Bryce – she didn’t question that one bit, but getting engaged so soon? Would babies follow behind it? She wasn’t sure she was ready to grow up that fast.
    Marriage and a family was something she knew she wanted someday, but now? Of course , it made sense for Bryce. He was in his thirties, ready to settle down and have children. But only being in her early twenties, there was so much more she wanted to do before marriage.
    And yet, when she made a list of things she wanted to do, it stalled. Maybe in the grand scheme of things , there wasn’t one thing on that list she couldn’t do with a husband by her side. The thought of losing Bryce was heartbreaking. She wouldn’t walk away from him, that was certain, but his proposal caught her off guard.
    Hannah stared at the ring on her finger, mesmerized. She touched it, running her finger lightly over the diamond, knowing what it represented. It meant a life with Bryce, being his wife, the mother to his children one day, and