Page 20 of Guardian of Misty Mountain

My husband guides me to the porch swing and sits next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and tucking me into his side. I melt against him and breathe in his woodsy scent, thankful for my loyal husband who has done so much to protect me and heal all the broken pieces of my past.

“Remember the first time you came to visit me all the way up here?” Adrian asks softly.

“And I was so nervous I broke a plate of cookies?”

“Were you nervous, or were you awestruck by me and my shirtless glory?”

I look over at him and narrow my eyes, then laugh when he flexes. “Fine, there might have been a tiny sliver of that as well.”

Adrian chuckles and it sounds like home. He settles me back down in his arms, leaning back and surveying the gorgeous property we’ve expanded upon over the years. First was the greenhouse, then compost bins and raised garden beds. Adrian built a walkway to a massive tree out back and then constructed a huge tree house with three rooms. Trent wants to have a sleepover in there, but he’s still a little too young.

“How are you feeling today, sweet girl? Is the baby giving you heartburn? Are your feet starting to hurt? I can massage them.”

I kiss my sweet husband on the cheek. “I’m good,” I assure him. “Swollen feet won’t come until later, but I will always take a foot massage if you’re offering.”

Adrian nods, taking his duties as my husband seriously. He’s always been good to me, and his protective streak has only grown with each kid.

We watch Steph go down the slide and then hop on a swing, pumping her legs so she can go higher and higher. Our girl giggles in excitement, making both of us smile.

“Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago,” Adrian whispers. His blue eyes catch mine, the revenant, wistful smile nearly bringing me to tears.

“Thank you for saving me. Not just from my past, but from a lonely, unsettled life. I came to Misty Mountain to escape, but I had no idea I’d find my forever home.”

Adrian curls his hand around the back of my neck, tilting my head slightly so he can kiss me, slow and deep. I brush my hand across his stubbled cheek and draw him closer, wanting to feel the weight of him as he owns me, body and soul.

When we finally come up for air, Adrian kisses me on the nose and forehead. “I love you with all of me,” he murmurs. “My sweet, precious girl.”

“I love you more than words can express,” I whisper back before snuggling against his side. We swing gently back and forth, taking in the serene landscape and filled with hope for whatever comes next.

THE END