Chapter 81
Lucy
“I can’t believe we’re going to live here.” I sighed and rested my head against Leo’s shoulder. The two of us were sitting on the sandy embankment while King and Wilder walked the area that would become our home’s foundation.
He kissed the top of my head. “Dream come true.”
I breathed deep, letting the salty sea air wash over me as the sun’s final golden rays touched my skin. For all my stress and indecision since my birthday, everything about my life felt right.
I was getting ready to launch my first two online sewing courses—one for making dresses and one for pet clothing—and I even had a waitlist for custom clothing orders.
I’d been braced for snide comments and critique when I’d announced the classes on Felix’s Instagram, but not a single person online or in real life had questioned my qualifications.
And if they didn’t, maybe I shouldn’t, either.
My alphas finally finished their conversation about construction something or other and joined us. I held my hands out and Wilder pulled me up while King helped Leo.
“We should probably head out before it gets too dark,” Wilder said.
“Wait, before we do, there’s one more Midsummer tradition we can’t miss.”
The three of them narrowed their eyes, clearly sensing my mischief through the bond.
Their faces momentarily disappeared as I pulled my dress off over my head.
When I emerged in just my panties and bra, they were all staring at me, mouths agape as they not-so-subtly adjusted their crotches.
I undid my bra and pulled down my panties.
“Skinny-dipping.” I threw my underwear at King and laughed as I sprinted down the beach, arms extended to the side as I embraced the world.
The waves hit my legs and stole my breath away.
The summer sun hadn’t had the chance to warm the water yet, but I ran farther into the icy spray before turning around.
My guys had stripped off their clothes and were heading toward the water—King and Wilder carrying Leo between them.
His arms were slung over their shoulders and they each had one of his legs as he shouted commands. “Faster! We must catch the mermaid!”
Laughter filled the air as they crashed into me, all of us tumbling into the shallow waves. The candy-colored sky cast a glow on us as we swam and kissed in the water I’d wake up to everyday once our house was built.
Wilder wrapped his arms around me. I snuggled into his chest, soaking up his heat as the water and evening breeze made me shiver.
“You sleepy, sweetheart?” he murmured.
“Just a little. Don’t worry, I’ll get my second wind.”
His chest rumbled with a purr. “I don’t doubt it, kitten.”
I pressed my smile to his salty skin. So far, year twenty-nine was my favorite year yet, and it was just getting started.
The end.