CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“It’s been a long day,” said Angus holding Bailey to his chest as they relaxed with the others in front of the fire.
“It has. But it’s been a good day. I think I’ve made some progress with the Syrian government but we’ll see how they respond tomorrow.”
“I’m proud of you, Bailey.” She turned slightly to look up at him.
“Not nearly as proud as I am of you. You’ve survived everything life threw at you. And all of that led you back here to me,” she smiled, kissing him.
“Well, I think the hostiles in Syria led me back here but I’ll take that. I don’t plan on leaving you again. Except…”
“Except to go to Syria,” she whispered. “I know. I’ve been in this family long enough to know how this is going to go.”
“You’re amazing you know,” he said softly in her ear. “I can’t believe you found me.”
“Technically, you found me in the lobby,” she smiled. “But just the fact that we found one another is pretty amazing.”
“Well, I’ll have to thank fate if I ever meet him, or her,” he smirked.
“Things have changed since you were here last. Are you feeling okay?” she asked him.
“Actually, things haven’t changed as much as you would think. There are some new faces, for sure, but it’s like I just slid back into my role here but with more confidence. Maybe that’s maturity. Maybe that’s what I needed to feel at home here.”
“I don’t care why you returned, I’m just glad that you’re here. I think we should retire to our cottage. I’d like to make love to my husband.”
“Your wish is my command,” he smirked. They waved at the others as they walked off. Pierre was already walking Ambry back, holding her arm and back as if she were made of glass. She wasn’t even showing yet.
The cottage glowed with soft, golden lamplight, its windows frosted by the brisk fall air outside.
Angus built a fire in the stone hearth, and the gentle crackle of burning logs filled the room with warmth and the scent of cedar.
Bailey, wrapped in a thick knit blanket, sat curled on the plush sofa.
He handed her a mug of spiced cider to warm her hands.
“Here you go. I added a little extra cinnamon—just how you like it.” Bailey smiled, wrapping their hands around the warm mug.
“You remember everything. Even the little things.” Angus settled beside Bailey on the sofa, pulling the blanket over both of them.
“It’s easy to remember when it’s you.”
Outside, the wind rustled through amber and crimson leaves, occasionally tapping against the glass.
They shared quiet laughter and stories, the world outside fading away.
Angus reached for Bailey’s hand, their fingers intertwining naturally, a simple sweet gesture of love.
The firelight reflected in their eyes as they leaned closer, speaking softly, savoring the closeness and the gentle rhythm of the evening.
Later, they stepped outside for a moment, bundled together against the chill. Cottages were glowing with familiar light and warm fires. The night sky was clear, stars shining above the silhouette of trees.
Bailey rested her head on Angus’s shoulder, and together they breathed in the crisp, autumn air—grateful for the warmth, the love, and the peace of their cottage and their newfound love.
“It’s getting colder,” he whispered.
“It is. Maybe you should take me inside and warm me up,” she smiled.
“Bailey, I couldn’t refuse you a damn thing. God help me, I don’t think I could ever say no to you,” he said kissing her passionately on the front porch. She smiled up at him, reaching for the doorknob and leading him inside.
He locked the door behind them, staring at the fire. Bailey looked back at him with the same thoughts.
“I’ve never made love in front of a fire before.”
“I haven’t either,” he grinned. “Get naked Bailey or I’m going to tear those clothes off your body.”
“Tear them off,” she smirked.
Angus didn’t pause at all. He ripped the clothing from her body, lying her in front of the fire naked and began to explore all over again.
“I love every crevice, every curve, every birthmark on this gorgeous body,” he said sliding his hand over her flat, taut belly. “I cannot wait until our child is growing inside you.”
“Oh, Angus,” she said as emotions bubbled to the surface. “Love me. Love me all night.”
“Not a problem.”