I press my lips to his for a long, perfect second. “It’s okay.”
He presses a gentle kiss to my temple. “Your doctor says you need to rest here for a few days.”
I groan theatrically. “Fantastic.”
He grins. “Promise I won’t let you get bored.”
The door opens before I can answer, and my mother and Chief slip in.
“Oh, you’re awake. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay,” I assure her, because I can see the worry in her eyes.
Chief settles into the chair by my bed. “We took care of everything. She won’t bother you again.”
I give him a wry smile. “So I heard.”
He winks.
Mom claps her hands together. “I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you think?”
I raise an eyebrow. “A celebration? Because I didn’t die?”
She laughs. “No, just because you’re here and we’re all here, and life is good. How does a wedding this weekend sound?”
My eyes widen. “What?”
She laughs, clutching Chief’s arm. “It was meant to be a surprise, but I can’t be the only one excited. I need someone to help with dress fittings and cake tastings.”
My heart races between joy and disbelief. “Mom! This is awesome!”
She beams. “Good. Considering you’re on bed rest for a few days, we can spend our time planning.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Before we get started though, I do have to take you to the station and have you give them your version of events,” she frowns. “But the quicker we get that over with, the quicker we can let this all go.”
I nod.
My mom is getting married, I’m having a baby, and Janice is out of the picture.
I would say that’s a pretty happy ending.
That evening, Travis finds me at the cliffside just above the beach, where the last glow of sun has slipped below the horizon and left the sky a deep, sumptuous velvet. Tiny lights travel beneath us on the winding road, like fireflies caught in traffic; their soft hum drifts up on a cool breeze scented with salt and damp sand. I’m perched on the low but wide stone wall, my back pressed against rough granite, bundled into his worn leather jacket with its unique scent—faint musk, engine oil, and late-summer nights. The jacket is too big on me, but I love the way it overwhelms my frame, how it smells like him and feels like home.
Travis closes the distance in three long strides. He slips behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, his hands warm against my sides. I lean back into him, letting the world shrink to this ledge, this gusting wind, this moment. He turns me, then lowers one knee to the pavement so he’s between my legs.
I shift forward, the cool concrete pressing against the backs of my thighs. He tugs the collar of his jacket aside and brushes my throat with the tip of his nose. His lips come next, soft, questioning at first, as if he needs permission before he claimsme completely. As soon as I sigh, he growls against my flesh, and his mouth drags fire along the curve of my neck.
“I’ve wanted this all day,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against my skin.
I tilt my head back so he can reach every warm inch of skin, closing my eyes. “Mmmmm.”
It’s the only thing I can manage.
He pulls back just enough to sweep his gaze over me, a slow grin spreading across his face. There’s something wild in the way his eyes darken. “You’re so beautiful.”
Then he stands and takes my hand, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear before leading me to the gleaming motorcycle parked a few feet away. The chrome looks spectacular in the sunset. I sit on the leather seat, watching him, wondering what comes next and being fully willing to allow whatever happens to happen.
