Page 122 of Undone

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ever After

HAND IN HAND WE WALK down the same wooden path we did on the day we first met. But it’s hotter in July than August. “I can’t believe you sweet talked me into this.” I swat a mosquito that lands on my arm. Squinting, I did my best not to trip over fallen logs. It’s not quiet twilight, but the tall trees overhead block what’s left of the sun.

“Why? You know I’m a mountain man,” he growls, pulling me close and burying his bearded face against my throat.

“Camping? In the middle of the woods… this is your idea of a romantic weekend getaway? Why do we have to sleep in a tent when there are dozens of cabins across the lake?”

“I already told you. They are being renovated.”

“Renovated, my ass.”

He’s up to something. But I follow him nonetheless, as he leads me down a familiar trail. I recognize the swaying pine trees. “Is this the spot you took me to last summer, on the day we first met?”

“It is.”

He carefully moves branches aside, so we can pass.

I gasp in awe. “You did all this for me?”

“For us.”

A small green tent is pitched a few feet from the pines. A small campfire burs in a circle of stones. String lights tied to branches on either side of the small clearing twinkle above our heads. Cream colored candles glow from within glass lanterns that stand on either side of the tent, and on a small wooden table for two—a vase of roses blooms.

I blink back tears; my hands cup my face as I take it all in.

“Happy almost one-year anniversary, babe.” He splays his arms wide.

In the stream behind him, more lit candles float in a small pool created by a beaver dam.

“This is straight out of a dream.”

“You’re straight out of a dream. I knew it a year ago, Lucille.” He gets down on one knee, bending in the soft moss at my feet. “Luce—my angel—my everything. You’ve seen me at my worst, loved me despite the odds… you took me for who I was—who I am, without giving a damn if I had a nickel in my pocket or millions. You saw behind my walls and broke right through them. You’ve helped me be a better leader—a better man. Will you be my queen? Will you rule by my side, council me when I need it? Be my best friend, my lover, my wife—let me father your children and love you in this life until I chase you into the next?”

I nod my head. My throat’s too thick to speak. There are no words to sum up all I feel for this man. Love in a thousand languages wouldn’t be enough.

“Yes?” He asks, taking a black velvet box out of his pocket.

“Forever will never be enough,” I finally answer.

“No, it won’t. But it’ll have to do.”

The bright diamond shimmers. He slips it on my ring finger until it fits snug.

“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one. The rock shined brighter than all the stars that night. Remember how we danced?”

“I do. It was the most magical night of my life… until this one.”

“Baby, there’s a lifetime of magical nights ahead.”

“Spring,”by Lucille Bandini

And there were.

Nights that were turbulent as we came together; entangled hearts, legs, and limbs. Others were quiet as we held each other while the wind outside howled.

But one thing we weren’t—was ever lonely again. Two lone wolves found their mates, made a den—a home, and a legacy—that will live forever.

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