Page 43 of Rescue in Misty Mountain

It’s written in his handwriting:

“CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL.”

I turn, tears already stinging my eyes.

Gage stands in the doorway, hands in his pockets. “You’re not just a guest here anymore, Tessa. You’re building a life. With me.”

I nod, my eyes blurry.

“You and Whiskey have made my house our home.” He swallows hard. “But I wanted you to have a space that’s yours.”

I cross the room in two steps and throw my arms around him. He catches me without hesitation, pulling me into his big bear hug.

“Is this your way of saying thanks?”

I nod. “This is me never letting go.”

His mouth finds mine in a kiss that fans the near-constant flames of desire for him that are always simmering inside of me.

When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his.

“We both know Whiskey’s going to declare this place his.”

“He already has,” Gage says. “I caught him napping on your chair while I was installing the monitors yesterday.”

I laugh, and it echoes through the walls of the space he made for me. Forus.

I’m no longer starting over.

I’m already home.

* * *

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