Page 135 of Holiday Hostage
“We thought so.” Tarron hooked his arms around my waist and rocked us side to side in time with the Christmas music Reed was playing through the Bluetooth speaker in front of the television. “We love you, and we’ll do anything for you.”
“I feel the same way.” I kissed him, too.
Everyone here knew and accepted our relationship.
We had nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
Tarron’s arms were warm and comfortable.
He held me gently, like I was precious.
The low hum of conversation moved around us.
I let it shift and change, content to stay in Tarron’s arms and kiss him until I was forced to stop and take a breath.
He brought me in close to his chest and whispered in my ear. “I love you more than life, Payton.”
I clung to him, understanding his meaning even if the way he said it brought up the reminder that I’d almost lost them. “I’d rather go skinny dipping in Alaska than lose you.”
He kissed me again. “The future is a gorgeous thing, all because of you.” He took a step back and angled his head toward Mav.
I understood the unspoken meaning.
The trip had been Mav’s idea.
He didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.
Too bad. I leaped into his arms, forcing him to catch me.
He took a step backward, moving us into a shadowed corner out of sight of the family and friends who’d joined us for our first Christmas dinner.
“Thank you.” I played with the strands of hair at his temples. “You’ve always been there for me, listening to me and understanding that I can’t let what happened control where I go next.”
His gray eyes turned stormy. “If I could take it all away, I would. I’d strip you of those memories so you never had to face a second of fear.”
“I don’t need the memories to go away. I have more good memories in Alaska than I have bad ones. I met you, Reed, and Tarron there. It will always be special to me.” I pressed against him. “All I need is my family.”
“We’re here.” The dark torment in his eyes eased. “We’re always here for you.” He kissed me, taking charge of the moment in his usual way.
I loved them so much.
I’d tried to tell them, tried to show them.
I would have worried they didn’t understand, but they loved me just as much.
And we all loved our daughter.
Hannah finished her bottle, and Dad propped her on his shoulder, patting and rubbing her back until she burped.
We made our way to the kitchen and joined the rest of our guests.
Lisa sat beside Tucker, who entertained her with stories of things he’d seen during his younger years in Alaska.
Lisa listened, nodding and asking questions that had Tucker leaning in close to explain in greater detail.
Reed, Mav, and Tarron sat beside me, the four of us taking up one side of the table.
A year ago, I’d been trapped in a cabin with them.
