Page 101 of Liam

Our love had been planted deep in the soil. Our roots would be strong. Our stems tall. And the flower of our love would stay turned toward the sunlight.

I knew it in my soul.

Chapter Twenty-One | Liam

The drive to Tofino was picturesque with tall stands of evergreen trees once we made the turn-off outside of Qualicum Beach. Jamal leaned against the passenger door, staring out the window.

We took a corner and there were cars parked along the shoulder of the roadway. A sheer rock face on the left side, the right was a marsh which could only mean one thing.

I pulled over too.

"What is it?" Jamal asked.

"Just a second. I'll show you." I went around to his side of the car, verified what was happening, and opened the door. I squatted down with my back to him. "Wrap your arms around my neck."

"You gonna piggyback me out?"

"Yup."

Jamal swung his legs out to dangle outside the car and slung his arms around my neck. I grabbed his thighs, placed them over my hips, and lifted him out of the car, extremely thankful for all the workouts I'd done over the years. My thighs burned but I was able to stand.

I walked over to where everyone was gathering and turned slightly so Jamal could see. In the marsh was a large moose and staying close to her side were two lanky calves.

"Oh, wow," Jamal said. "I've never seen moose in the wild."

"Extra special because of the twins."

Jamal kissed my cheek. "Maybe we'd end up with twins."

I hugged his legs tighter to me. "That would be amazing." I was grateful I had brought up the topic of kids. Previously, Jamal had told me he was concerned about raising children from his wheelchair. He had also stated twice that it would have to be with the right partner.

Last week, he'd confirmed I was the person he wanted to go on that adventure with and my heart had nearly exploded from beating so hard. My love for him had burrowed into my soul.

After watching the moose for a few minutes, we returned to the car and continued on our way. Jamal was munching away on the chips we had bought for the road trip when I pulled up outside the B&B Ethan and I always stayed at when we came here to go surfing.

"Is this the place?" Jamal asked and pointed to the heritage house.

"Yeah, Ethan and I have been staying here for over fifteen years."

"It's super quaint."

"And very romantic. I booked the suite with the gas fireplace."

Jamal looked at me with a slight uptick on one side of his mouth. "Have you and Ethan ever?"

My eyebrows shot up. "Hooked up? Hell no. That would be like fucking a brother."

"That's what I figured. Just curious." Jamal crossed his hands in his lap. I knew what was coming. "Did you know Tofino is Canada's surfing capital?"

"Not surprised."

"And there are only 2500 full-time residents."

"That's why I love it here. It's remote, rugged, and sparsely populated. Makes for the perfect place to get back to nature and experience the wildness of the Pacific coast."

"You love it here."

"That's why I brought you. I wanted to share a place I have a passion for. Expose my heart to allow you in further." I opened my door and inhaled the scent of the ocean air. When I propped open Jamal's door, he was weepy. I crouched down and cupped his face. "What's wrong?"

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