One Touch – Bonus Scene

Beckett

A few years had passed since that beautiful day on the front porch of Kate’s beloved Painted Lady. As I’d predicted, everyone fell in love with Kate and Home Again kept us very, very busy. Despite the rigorous filming schedule that allowed us to see the world, Outtatowner would always be home. 

The beach house I had once loathed had become our home and transformed into a symphony of love and family. As I stepped into the sunlit kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee intertwined with the scent of pancakes fresh off the griddle. Laughter echoed through the air, mingling with Kate’s off-key humming. 

My wife sat at the table, a vision of warmth and tenderness. Her radiant smile mirrored the flickering sunlight that filtered through the large windows, casting playful shadows across the room. I marveled at her grace, her strength, and the way motherhood had only deepened her beauty.

“Morning, Princess,” I called out from the doorway of the kitchen, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Is Emmett still sleeping?”

I entered the room and filled two steaming mugs of coffee, the aroma permeating the air. Kate’s eyes lit up as she saw me.

“Good morning, Grumpy Bear,” Kate replied, her eyes shining with joy. “And yes, thankfully he’s out cold.”

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of affection for her and our little family. Even after all these years, her presence still ignited a fire within me, and the connection we shared was as strong as ever. Having a two year old meant our days were now filled with baby-proofing and scraped knees, with bedtime stories and whispered lullabies. Our nights were adorned with sleepy snuggles and whispered secrets, a symphony of love that lulled us into a peaceful slumber.

I placed the mugs on the table and settled into the seat next to her. The morning light illuminated her features, making her even more radiant. Time had only enhanced her beauty, deepening the lines of love and laughter on her gorgeous face.

The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floors that were just starting to show the years of wear. They were a symbol of our commitment, our unwavering dedication to each other and the homes we cherished. Every scuff and scratch reminded me of the life we had built inside its four walls. We had weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, but our love had only grown stronger with each challenge overcome. I couldn’t imagine my life without her laughter and light.

Taking a sip of the fragrant coffee, I watched as Kate’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. She leaned back in her chair, a playful grin spreading across her face.

“You know,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of teasing, “we’re not getting any younger, Mr. Miller. But that doesn’t mean we can’t keep adding to our list of adventures.”

I chuckled, feeling a surge of excitement at her words. She had always been the one to push boundaries, to remind me that life was meant to be lived to the fullest. I nodded, my heart swelling with love for the woman sitting before me.”You’re absolutely right, Katie-girl.” My voice filled with determination. “We’ve got more to explore. A few more homes to rescue and history to share.”

Her smile widened, and I could see the anticipation dancing in her eyes. “I can’t believe the deal went through on the Henderson property. I’m dying to get in there.”

I chuckled and reached across the table, taking her hand in mine, and our fingers intertwined. Time had etched their marks on my hands, but the warmth and familiarity remained unchanged. “The crew should be ready for demo next week. That house’s story is far from over.”

“What about our story?” she asked.

“Ours?” I scoffed. “Princess, this story is just getting to the good parts.” I winked at her and enjoyed the way it still made her blush. 

“I love our story. But I was thinking we could add a new chapter in . . . ” Kate tapped her chin and grinned at me. “Maybe nine months or so?”

My stomach dipped as understanding settled over me. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?” I gripped the seat of her chair and pulled her forward until her knees settled between mine.

She nodded, grinning through unshed tears. The world faded away, leaving only the two of us and the miracle that was about to unfold. My heart swelled with overwhelming joy, and I wrapped my arms around Kate, pulling her close.

“You have given me more than I ever dreamed of. Our love, our family—it’s the greatest adventure of my life,” I whispered, my voice filled with awe.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Kate buried her face in my chest. “Beckett, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I couldn’t imagine going on this journey with anyone else.”

As we held each other, time seemed to stand still. The symphony of laughter and children’s voices would fill this home, a harmonious backdrop to our love story. I was ready to embrace this new chapter with her, knowing that our love would carry us through every joy and challenge that lay ahead.

In that sunlit kitchen, surrounded by love and the promise of a growing family, I knew that our home would forever be a sanctuary—a place where dreams were nurtured, and our love story continued to unfold. And as we embarked on this next adventure, we would do so hand in hand, ready to welcome the newest member of our family, knowing that our love would only grow stronger with each passing day.

The weight of anticipation hung in the air, and our gazes locked with a magnetic pull. In that moment, all the love, desire, and tenderness we had shared over the years converged, intensifying the connection between us. With a gentle touch, I cupped Kate’s face, my thumb tracing the path of a tear that escaped down her cheek. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of vulnerability and passion, mirroring the emotions coursing through my own veins.

Leaning in, our lips met in a tender kiss that spoke volumes—whispered promises of love, unwavering support, and a shared journey that extended far beyond this room. The softness of her lips against mine was both familiar and exhilarating, reminding me of the depth of our connection.

Our kiss deepened, passion igniting like a dormant flame brought back to life. It was a dance we had perfected over the years, a language spoken without words. As our bodies pressed closer, the boundaries between us dissolved, leaving only raw intensity. 

With a sigh, Kate’s hands found their way to my chest, her fingers tracing a path over the fabric of my shirt. The fire between us grew, and I responded with a hunger that had been simmering beneath the surface, longing to be unleashed.

Gently, I broke the kiss, my breath mingling with hers. Our eyes locked, conveying a shared understanding, a mutual desire that transcended words. Without hesitation, I stood, pulling Kate up with me, our bodies flush against each other. Guiding her backward, I led us out of the kitchen and into our bedroom. Sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over us.

I stared down at her, my body humming with need. Our breaths intertwined, a gentle rhythm in sync with the beating of our hearts.

“I love you, Kate,” I murmured, my voice a whisper against her skin. “You have given me everything. You are my home. My sanctuary.”

A soft smile graced her lips, her eyes filled with a love that mirrored my own. “I love you too, Beckett.”

In that moment, as the world outside continued to spin, we found solace in the sanctuary of our love—a love that knew no bounds, that grew stronger with every challenge faced, and that was nurtured by the intimacy we shared.

In my wife’s arms, I had found my home—a place where my heart could rest and together our souls could thrive, forever entwined in our perfectly imperfect love story.