Page 77 of Backed By You
Six months ago, I fled to this place in hopes of finding solitude and safety. A means to an end. Instead, I found a grumpy landlord who became so much more.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks as we turn onto the familiar road leading to the cabin. “You’ve got that look.”
“What look?”
“The one where you’re turning something over and over in your mind.” He glances at me before returning his focus to the road.
I smile at how well he knows me already. “Just thinking about us.”
He reaches across the console to take my hand, his thumb brushing across my knuckles like a silent declaration. I squeeze his hand in response.I love you, too.
When we arrive at the cabin, he unlocks the door, holding it open for Hulk and me. I step into the space that has become more home to me than any place I’ve ever lived. Beau moves behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders to massage away the tension from hours of mingling and dancing.
His arms encircle me, holding me close as his lips find my temple. “Being here with you,” he murmurs, “it’s more than I ever thought I’d have. More than I thought I deserved.”
I turn in his arms, gazing at the face I’ve come to crave the sight of every morning. I smile softly. “And what do you think you deserve now?”
His gaze holds mine with an intense certainty I can’t explain.
The love I feel from this man is…
“Everything,” he says. “With you.”
The word echoes between us.Everything. I rise on tiptoes to kiss him, knowing I want the same thing.
Everything. With him.
For the first time in years, I’m not hiding from my future.
I’m living for it.
And it feels like finally coming home.
Epilogue.
Beau
Two months later…
Ifumblewithtyingthe ring box to Hulk’s collar. He huffs as my shaky hands drop the velvet black box for a third time. “Shit,” I hiss.
Hulk gives me a look that can only be described as judgmental.
“Don’t start with me,” I grunt, retrieving the box from the cabin floor.
His tail thumps once against the hardwood, unimpressed with my nerves. I can’t blame him. I’ve faced insurgents with steadierhands than these. Outside, Callie’s moving around on the back porch, arranging the blankets and mugs she brought out for our evening ritual. Watching the sunset has become our thing over the past five months—a quiet moment at the end of each day to just be together.
Tonight, if I can get this damn box secured, it’ll mean far more going forward.
I finally manage to loop the ribbon through Hulk’s collar, knotting it with what I hope is enough security to keep the ring in place until the right moment. I adjust the box, making sure it’s visible but not uncomfortable for him.
“Remember the plan,” I tell him seriously. “When I call you over, bring this to Callie. That’s it. Simple.”
Hulk tilts his head.
“There’ll be a steak in it for you,” I add, resorting to bribery.
That gets his attention. His ears perk up, and Iswearhe nods in agreement.
