Page 133 of Saving Grace

“Okay, but we rein it in the second you feel it’s too much.”

He grins, turning his head. Two fingers press to his forehead. “Aye aye, captain.”

Trigger bursts forward into a lope. I laugh, hearty and free, the sound rumbling through my chest and bouncing up my throat.

This is real happiness.

Real love.

The kind that makes you whole, no matter how broken you were when it found you. It stays. It sees your worth. It comforts you through the worst days. It lives for your happiness.

Just as I live for his.

I push Sergeant fast and fly after him. I have a good feeling about this little adventure of ours.

I’m breathless.

I was expecting pristine beauty, but this—this is simply serene. I stand on the peak of the mountain I have been gazing at since the day I arrived on this ranch. Nothing will ever compare to the pure exhilaration of standing on one of Mother Nature’s finest creations as the sun sets, leaving its brilliant beams trailing over the vista of peaks and valleys, aqua waters and deep green forest.

The crunch of earthy ground cover closes in. “That’s some sunset,” Mack whispers against my neck, arms wrapping around my waist.

“It’s stunning. So stinking beautiful.”

“Sure are.”

I turn briefly, pressing a kiss into his tousled dark hair. “Still, it’s been a long, long day. We should rest our weary bones.”

“Gorgeous girl, the last thing I plan on doing tonight on our mountain honeymoon is sleepin’.”

Releasing me, he spins me around, planting his mouth over mine.

“Three days isn’t really a honeymoon, Mack.”

“Quality over quantity. Plus, Reed & Rubes have something planned for us when we get back.”

“Oh god, should I be worried?”

He chuckles. “Only if Reed planned it.”

I can’t help the laughter spilling from my lips. It echoes through the mountains; the sound amplifies as it travels. Mack takes my hand and leads me back through the wooded trees. Inegotiate my way over the forest ground to the clearing. Trigger and Sarge are tethered to a long, low tree branch, free of tack, already half asleep. The tent is up. A campfire blazing away.

“Isn’t it too hot for a fire?” I ask.

“The nights are much cooler up here.”

He settles on a fallen log and pulls me onto his lap. The last of the light fades out as I sink down, straddling him, fingers splayed over his jawline. The wind changes, sending the flames crackling and warmth against my back.

“As much as I love looking at your handsome face, sitting on your lap isn’t going to cut it.”

I push off and grab his shirt, tugging him to follow me to the tent. The cream flap gives way, and he crowds in behind me as I stop short. The inside is all blankets, two small lanterns, and a plate of food. It’s heaven.

I turn back around, tilting my face up. “I don’t think I ever want to leave,” I whisper.

“If that’s an order, cap, we can live up here for the rest of our days... I have everything I need right here.”

“You gonna hunt while I gather, Mackinlay?” I give him my best bratty smile.

“I would do anything for you, Grace.”

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