Chapter 12
twelve
Sierra
B y the time we return to the hotel, my two guys are seriously overstimulated. We didn’t want to leave Kyle alone in a separate bedroom, so the three of us are sharing one hotel room. With the boy on the other bed, there won’t be any sexy time tonight. I smile to myself. Just like a family should be.
Once Kyle finishes his fashion show by trying on every one of his new shirts, I leave him and Luke stretched out on the bed Kyle claimed, reading a book about bears. I was surprised the only books he chose were about animals. The few other boys, and a lot of the girls I’ve met around his age have been monster truck fans.
Making sure I have my keycard, I slip from the room and head down to the hotel’s business center. The small room is empty so I settle in to make some calls.
First to my folks to explain what’s been going on. Even without actually touring the property, I want to purchase the land next to Luke’s. If the board doesn’t approve the purchase, I’ll buy it myself. Unfortunately once Dad makes the purchase request, my original purpose for being in Alaska is over. So I propose a change to my status within the company that would give me the overall responsibilities for construction and overseeing the new wilderness prosthetics camp.
Dad agrees this is a positive career move although with the happiness in his voice, he understands my real reason for requesting the change.
Mom is more interested in how I’d glossed over Luke’s importance in my decision. For good or bad, she’s always been able to key into my emotions. After Dad leaves the conversation, she ends our talk with, “I can’t wait to meet your Luke. And to spoil that little boy like a grandmother should. Be safe and call again soon, sweetie.”
I’d like Luke to meet my family, but not on this trip. He’s already dealing with more people and uncomfortable situations than he has in a year. I don’t want to push him or Kyle too hard.
I make a few other calls that could have waited then sit staring at my phone for a long time. My thoughts are filled with replays of conversations, this hectic day, and all the moments since I fell into Luke’s arms. My hopes and the new dreams I’ve built over the past few days depend on one thing.
How Luke really feels about me.
If there’s only lust between us, or gratitude for helping him, I need to know sooner rather than later. No time spent with him will ever be wasted but the longer I stay, the more powerful and upsetting that kind of a breakup would be.
But if there is even the tiniest possibility Luke can love me, I will fight long and hard to build a lasting, loving relationship with him.
Before I return to the room, I make a few notes and plans for the camp on my phone. I’ll need to be ready to move forward as soon as the board agrees. This is also a risk that could have a major impact on our being together. Luke hasn’t been terribly enthusiastic about having a camp for prosthetic users close to his home. I know there’s other properties we could purchase, but on paper the Alaska locale is perfect. I don’t want to have to make a choice or disappoint my father or those who would gain confidence and expanded lives and abilities by attending the camp.
Because this time I would choose Luke.
When I return to the room I discover my boys sound asleep. Luke’s removed his prosthesis and harness and Kyle is sleeping in the crook of Luke’s damaged arm. Kids are so accepting until they’re trained not to be. The sight of Kyle’s small hand curved over the sleeve protecting Luke’s stump brings tears to my eyes.
When did I become so weepy?
Luke’s eyes open and he smiles. “Hello, beautiful.”
I keep my voice soft. “Think you can extract yourself without waking Kyle? We need to talk,”
His smile fades. I should have said that differently.
“Give me a second,” he says and carefully lifts Kyle’s arm and slides from the bed. When the boy moves restlessly, Luke places a large bear stuffy in his arms and covers him with the sheet. After a couple undecipherable mumbles, Kyle settles.
We move the single arm chair and the desk chair close to the window and open the drapes. The city lights twinkle in the darkness but overhead the real stars are hidden by light pollution. I miss the clear air and bright stars of the Alaskan night.
Luke rolls his chair closer. “What’s on your mind?”
I’m seldom at a loss for words and easily speak my thoughts. Tonight I don’t know how to start.
After a couple minutes of silence, Luke speaks again, his voice gentle, the tone low and compelling. “The past few days have been crazy. Ever since you fell into my world. Into my life. Locked in guilt and pain, I’d shut myself away. Baby, you are the key that unlocked who I am again. Just in time to be able to keep Kyle safe, to keep my promise to my sister. I wouldn’t have been able to navigate anything today if not for your support and skill negotiating the legal system. And the city, and hell, just people in general.”
Heat fills my cheeks. “You give me too much credit.”
“No, I don’t think I do. However you came into my life, whether as a nudge from a divine power or just fate, you’ve saved me. It feels like you’ve returned my humanity to me. And me, as a better man, to humanity.”
He holds out his hand and I rest my palm against his. “Sierra, baby, everything I feel, every word I want to say comes down to just three things. No, not things. Words. Three words.”
Three words? Those three words? Is it possible?
“I’ll say this as simply as I can. Sierra, I love you.”
Holding his gaze I whisper, “Say that again.”
“I love you. I’m in love with you. Have been from our first moment.”
“When I fell into your arms.” I chuckle. “Under other circumstances that statement would be very romantic.”
“You mean it wasn’t?”
“You said you thought I was a guy.”
“A mistake I’m glad I made. I fell hard and fast for you, Sierra. I don’t expect you to feel the same way or return my love so rapidly. I don’t care how long?—”
I silence him with a kiss. He loves me.
Easing from his lips, I whisper close to his ear. “And I am so in love with you, too. Falling for you was easy. I don’t need time because I love you now and forever.”
His astonished smile invites more kisses and I move to his lap to facilitate our whispered declarations of love.
A rustle and giggle come from the bed and we both freeze then slowly turn to look at Kyle. His eyes are gently closed, the soft puffs of his breath indicate he’s sound asleep. Then he giggles again and hugs his bear tighter.
“I know, Mama.”
“He’s talking in his sleep,” Luke says and I nod.
“We will, Mama. I know because my new daddy and mommy are kissing.”