Page 121 of Undone

“I never wanted you for money.”

“I know, babe. I was one-step up from a mountain man living on the range when we met. I hardly resembled a millionaire.”

“Well, I hit the jackpot the day I met you, Lucas. Because you are the other half of me. The piece I was always looking for and couldn’t find. Because you were here in the woods waiting for me while I was looking in all the wrong places.”

“We found each other. Can you finally forgive me for letting us go?”

“I have.”

“No, you haven’t. I still feel you holding back. It’s not a lot, but it’s there.” He stops at the edge of the woods, takes his hand and brushes away a small pile of stubbornly melting snow. Underneath is a bud of a flower struggling to rise up and bloom. “All it needed was a little help.”

Tears threaten.

God, I love this man.

“Winter is over, Luce. Spring is a rebirth. Be spring with me? Let our love bloom and start the cycle over again?”

“But I’m scared of the fall.”

“Don’t be. I’ll catch you every time.”

He kneels in the mud and melting snow at my feet still babying the delicate seedling. Swiping tears, I kneel next to him. “Do you think there’s more?”

“I know there is. Afterall, I’m the one who planted the bulbs last October.”

“You did?”

“I did. I was hoping when they bloomed. You’d be here to see it with me.”

Sobbing, I don’t even care my jeans get wet as I push back sticks, leaves, and snow to uncover more.

“I love you. So much, Lucas. You’re a perfect man. And I’m scared to believe it.”

“I’m not perfect, Luce. You’ve seen my scars… some of the things I’ve done—I still see at night.”

“Well, you’re perfect for me.”

“Good. ‘Cause I caught ya’, babe, and I’m never letting go.”

The last of my walls crumble. I leave all my resentment behind. I think of Sally. She’s become one of my closest friends and moved into Rog’s first-floor apartment. The men in Creed love her as much as I do. Rog even hired her as a part time cook at Sassy’s when the Inn isn’t full. She called me yesterday and said I was right—the new memories she’s making shine brightly in her mind. And that no matter your age—you can, in fact, start over.

“I’m ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“To spend Spring with you… then summer… and all the seasons after.”

“Good. ‘Cause I bought the cabin from Rog. I’m moving in.”

“What? You are unbelievable! You bought my house from under me?”

“Yep. I warned ya’ I am a DOM. I’m taking back what was always mine, babe—you. The men are probably unloading the moving truck right about now and unpacking my shit.”

I shake my head at him. He’s a control freak in some ways and I love it despite how caveman he can be.

“So, does that mean you’re moving to Springdale for good?”

“We are.”

“We?”

“Creed. I’m moving the Club back to where it was always meant to be—Springdale. The place of its birth. No more doing illegal shit on the docks.Los Coyoteshas control now. We’re getting back to basics, the open road, brotherhood and taking back our original turf.”

“God, that makes me so happy. I’ve never been so happy, Lucas. I have you—Trapper, my dream house, and my job at the school. But, I’m afraid it could all fall apart again.”

“Just enjoy the ride, babe. That’s all we can do.”

We stand, arm-in-arm and stroll through the sounds of Spring. I will paint it. And open up my own gallery too—in Springdale. I’ve had my eye on a shuttered window in the town’s small square with a rent sign taped on the inside. I could teach a few classes, showcase my student’s art, maybe even get Kathryn to bring in some artists for a show or two. I was hoping Sally could rent the smaller space next door and open a bakery. Who knows? Anything is possible. Especially with him by my side.

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