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When I finally am able to catch my breath I pull out and grab my t-shirt from yesterday to clean her and then myself. When I lay onto my back she crawls up and settles against me, her head resting softly on my chest.
Gently, I brush a strand of hair from her face, marveling at the fact that I finally have her. This beautiful woman is completely mine and I don't ever plan to let her go. She has her eyes shut, trying to catch her breath. And every second I stare at her I realize just how much I love her.
I knew that I did when I was young. But time made me wonder if maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was just young and naive. At least now I know that I was wrong. That my love for her withstood time and distance. That it was the once in a lifetime kind of love.
As her eyelids flutter open, revealing those deep eyes that have haunted me in her absence, the weight of my questions threatens to spill over.
"Hey," I start, my voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to shatter the tranquility of the moment. "Can you tell me what happened?”
She blinks slowly, taking a deep breath as if gathering the strength to unlock the past few days. There's a hesitation in her gaze, a wariness of revisiting the basement that we found her in. But then, she nods.
"Rodrigo," she begins; her voice steady but with an undercurrent of pain. "He... he messaged me. Said he would kill Spencer if I didn't come to him. He said if I spoke a word to mybabysittershe would make sure Spencer never saw the light of day. Said it was because of some twisted sense of ownership, that my father had promised me to him years ago through some archaic marriage contract.”
The words hit me like a physical blow, a mix of anger and disbelief coursing through me. The thought of her father selling her like cattle ignites a fury in me that burns hot and fierce.
"He kept me in the basement, away from everything and everyone. It was like being trapped in a nightmare," she continues, her hand finding mine as she laces her fingers through mine. "I thought I'd never escape, that I'd never see you or Aiden again.”
The vulnerability in her voice, the raw fear at the thought of a future stolen from her, tightens my grip on her hand. If I could go back and get there sooner, kill that piece of shit myself, I would.
"But I fought back," she says, a flicker of that strong spirit shining through. "I remembered what you taught me, about never giving in, about fighting for those we love. And I... I managed to kill him. I think anyway…I passed out right after I did it.”
Pride mingled with admiration courses through me. For the courage she's shown and the way she never gave up. "You did. You're incredible," I tell her, my words filled with the depth of my respect and love for her. "I was so scared I'd lost you.”
She smiles then, a weary but genuine expression that lights up her face. "I had to come back. For you, for Aiden. You're my home. Even before I knew…who you were. I knew that I wanted something with you.”
“You're my home too, little sunshine,” I murmur into her hair, closing my eyes and allowing myself to sink into the warmth she provides.
???
Our day is spent around the people we love. Spencer was picked up from the hospital by Seb this morning and has been more happy than I have ever seen. He finally looks like someone removed the storm cloud that has been living over his head. I guess I never realized it because I’ve only known Spence when he was dealing with this. I never got to see what he looked like carefree and happy.
Aiden is a bundle of energy, darting around with the boundless enthusiasm of youth, while Spencer, still recovering but ever the warrior, watches over him with a protective gaze. The interaction between them brings a smile to my face. It's clear that despite the physical wounds that are healing, Spencer's spirit, his love for Aiden, remains untouched. It makes me ridiculously happy to know that he can finally be around his nephew without any worries.
"Watch this, Uncle Spencer!" Aiden's voice cuts through the air, pulling our attention to where he stands, a soccer ball at his feet. With a determined furrow of his brow, he kicks the ball, sending it soaring across the yard.
Spencer's laughter, genuine and free, fills the space between us, a sound that's become a rare treasure. He was always distant…focused solely on work. And now I understand why. He has been living for their safety for ten years. Now he finally has a chance to live for himself.
"You're getting really good at that, bud," Spencer praises. Aiden beams under the praise, his chest puffing out with pride.
It's moments like these, simple and unassuming, that I want to capture and hold close for the rest of my days. As the day wanes I find myself reflecting on the past…on what led us here. The challenges, the fears, the battles fought both within and without, all seem to fade into the background, overshadowed by the peace of this moment. I’m finally home.
Spencer catches my eye, a silent understanding passing between us. He's been through hell, but he's here, a pillar of strength for both Aiden and Dakota. Someday I’m going to make him my brother-in-law. He might not know it yet but his sister is my future. His sister and Aiden are my everything.
As Aiden rushes over, throwing himself into the mix with joyous abandon, I'm filled with gratitude. For the love that surrounds us, for the peace we've found, and for the promise of all the days to come. This is what it means to be a family, not bound just by blood but by the love, loyalty, and laughter we share.
Glancing next to me I take in the smile on Dakota’s face…the pure peace she has found.
“I love you,” I murmur, my gaze glued to her face.
She turns to look at me, her eyes filled with so much emotion that I nearly collapse out of my chair, “I love you more.”
“Not possible,” I respond immediately.
“I love you both more,” Sebastian jumps in like the little shit that he is. Smiling at us both as he sips his beer. I watch as Madd rolls his eyes but I can see a small smile playing on his lips. It's a smile that I have barely seen in years but I can tell it's genuine. He’s been happier…lighter since we found Dakota and got her home.
That's the thing about Dakota…she brings out the light in everyone. She forces sunshine and joy into an otherwise gloomy existence. I wasn't exaggerating when I said she was everything. I wouldn’t be able to live without her.
Chapter 27
