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The moonlight pours across the earth, lighting up the darkened road. Darin’s headlights illuminate the bright red leaves along the side of the road. And at the exact same moment, we both say, “I love you.”
Our smiles are huge as Max uses his thumbs to wipe the tears from my face.
“God, beautiful, I’ve fucking missed you. And I’m never, ever, letting you go.” The moonlight above glints in his blue eyes, full of promise.
My voice is shaky as I say, “Good. Because I fucking missed the hell outta you—”
His lips are on mine before I can finish my words, which is fine, because I was about ready to cry again anyway.
Warmth blossoms in my chest, my entire body coming alive, like the trees in the spring, the buds opening and blooming, lighting up the world with color. Sparks ignite inside my body, like the fireworks on the fourth of July.
The smell of his woodsy, musky aroma mixes with the aroma of the crisp, autumn air. Our lips move together, the sensation dizzying, as butterflies dance in my stomach. The taste of Max’s lips mixes with our tears as our mouths move in perfect unison, breathing one another in.
His soft breath against my face makes me feel like I’m dancing along the wind, my feet not touching the ground. I grab onto his sweatshirt like a life raft.
I’m home again.
He is all of my hopes, dreams, and desires.
As his presence surrounds me, infiltrates my body and soul, I know, with absolute certainty, that I’m back where I belong.
He is my world. My every damn thing.
When we finally part, our foreheads touching, our heavy breaths expelling from our lungs like we’ve just run a race, he makes the moment even more perfect.
Slowly pulling back, he cups my face with his hands. “Irelynn Rose. I fucking love you with every damn broken piece of me. You fuse the fractured pieces of my heart together, mending it.” He gently grabs my hand, placing it over his chest.
My eyes are locked on his as he says, “You are my home. My entire universe. And I love you so goddamn much.” His eyes shimmer with unshed tears, his voice breaking. “Let’s go home.”
I nod, too overcome for words.
Home never sounded so good before.
Chapter twenty-three
Max
October15,2018,8:40p.m.
The full moon helps to lighten the thick forest. Even so, my eyes strain to see the huge house. Finally, I catch a glimpse of it. As I turn my head to the woods on the left, something moves through the trees.
“Slow down.” I press myself against the passenger side door and suddenly, there she is, the moonlight glinting from her blonde hair as she steps onto the road.
My breath hitches in my chest and I point, finally saying, “Stop!”
Darin hits the brakes, spotting Irelynn as she runs onto the road, her arms waving in the air. Not giving a damn about my injuries, I throw open the door of his vehicle, jumping out. I sprint toward her as she barrels toward me, our eyes locked together. As soon as she reaches me, she jumps into my arms, and I grip her as tightly as I can, pressing her to me, inhaling her apple cinnamon scent.
We sob in each other’s arms, still clinging to each other. My eyes move to the giant moon in the sky, a million twinkling stars overhead, and send up a silent thank you.
The woman I love, my destiny, is back in my arms again.
Sobs of relief and happiness shake my body as I hold her, promising myself that I’ll never, ever let her go.
“Irelynn. Thank God I’ve found you.” My voice cracks and breaks. She nods against my neck, her tears soaking my skin and sweatshirt.
Finally, we pull apart enough that we can see one another. I slowly lower her to her feet, my strength waning. I wish I could hold her forever, but the accident at the warehouse has taken a toll on my body.
Her fingers move to my cheeks, wiping my tears away. My heart is so full it feels like it’s going to explode as I stare at her beautiful face. Our hearts beat in unison as we smile blissfully at one another.
