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Putting a finger to her lips, Ian shook his head. “I have absolutely no desire to go back to the War Cats. My place is here in Eagle Creek. And I suppose Kian and I have a lot to talk about and work out, but we’ll get there. And I promise, I’ll tell you what I know about my father, but I don’t want to talk about it right now. I want to hold you and thank God that I’m still here to do it.”
Heart melting, she nodded. Helping her climb farther onto the bed, they laid on their sides, facing each other. Neither of them said anything for long moments. They just stared into each other’s eyes, thankful to be alive and there together.
Reaching a hand up, Ian trailed his fingers down her cheek. “I love you, Holly. So much. When I sent you and Shelby off this morning, I sent off my heart, everything good about my life. Without you, I wouldn’t be whole
. But with you, I’m complete in a way I’ve never been before.”
Tears burning her eyes, she blinked hard, grabbing his hand and lacing their fingers together. “You just described how I feel, exactly, Ian. I never thought I’d feel this way again.” Pausing for a moment, she inhaled deeply. “No, that’s not exactly true. I’ve never felt this way before, Ian. Not even with Kyle. I can’t say it’s better. But it’s different. Everything with Kyle was gentle, slow, easy, natural.
“It’s natural with you, too, but what’s where the similarities end. It’s intense, all-consuming, and like a wildfire that can never be extinguished. It’s everything. And I’m so glad you thought I was worth fighting for, so glad you didn’t give up when I rejected you. I can’t live without you, and my life would be so much, just, less, if you hadn’t fought for me.”
“Always, sweetheart. I’ll always fight for you. And I’ll always be fighting to win. I can’t live without you, Holly, and I’m going to make sure you can’t without me, either.”
“You’ve already accomplished that goal,” she said softly, her whole being feeling like it was smiling. There must surely be a glow coming off her skin right now, because she could feel it lighting her up, from the inside out.
Smiling into each other’s eyes, they leaned in slowly, lips touching softly. Just as Ian started to deepen the kiss, the door flew open and Shelby ran in, climbing onto the bed and snuggling between them.
“I need to remember the lock the door next time,” he muttered.
But he was smiling as he said it, his body relaxed and his bright blue eyes content. And she knew exactly how he felt. Wrapping her arm around them both, she snuggled in, knowing she was holding in her arms everything she ever needed in life.
This was real, this was lasting. This was everything.
