Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
ALEXANDER
TWO WEEKS LATER
Eat. Work. Sleep. Repeat.
A zombie… That’s what I’ve become.
Stuck somewhere between dead and alive.
I wish I could say I were happy with the decision to uproot my life. But I hardly feel any emotion. All I know is that I couldn’t stay in the town where I grew up and watch another man live the future I wanted with the woman I love.
Yet again, Molly made me go against my nature.
The urge to check in on her rises every day, but I stick to my word. If she wishes to get over me, I won’t make it difficult for her. I’ve complicated her life enough.
Pine Falls is a picturesque town with vast prairies and the Rocky Mountains.
The sun peeks behind from two valleys as I drive down the road. Today was a slow day, a once-in-a-blue-moon feat, so I decided to go home early.
My staff is already becoming sick of me because I’m around the station twenty-four seven. One even pointed out that I need to get some sleep because the nickname Zombie is beginning to catch on.
Just the reputation a sheriff needs.
I take a left, turning onto my street. I bought my house on a secluded piece of land, void of neighbors. As I near it, I frown at the big black SUV parked outside my gates.
Who the hell would visit me?
I haven’t made any friends here.
Driving past the vehicle, I speed down my driveway.
A petite figure sits on the steps of my porch. The splash of burgundy makes my heart skip a beat. The setting sun hits the beautiful face that’s carved inside my heart when she raises it in my direction.
At first, I think I’m hallucinating from lack of sleep. However, she’s still there as I get closer. It’s like I’ve traveled back in time.
Through the windshield, I stare at Molly, wearing a white tee and blue jeans. The same outfit from years ago. Her shiny hair is tied in a high ponytail. The rays of sunlight make her face look ethereal and angelic.
I park and cut the ignition.
Every inch of me is wired, aching to run to her and take her in my arms. However, I can be strong for only so long. I can’t handle her breaking my heart again. I don’t dare hope she’s here to be mine.
Perhaps she’s upset I left without a word.
I wanted to make it easy for her. I never planned to take her, but I couldn’t leave without one last taste.
She rises to her feet as I unlock the door and step out. Unlike eight years ago, it’s she who struts toward me, bridging the distance.
Her pretty green eyes don’t stray from mine.
The soft breeze blows the short strands that have escaped from her ponytail away from her cheeks.
Electricity crackles in the air as she stops before me.
I open my mouth to ask what she’s doing here when she beats me to it.
“I don’t want to be freed.”
My pulse pounds harder, unable to believe I’m hearing her right.
Am I dreaming?
“I choose you.”
I inhale roughly at her confession. This isn’t a dream.
“I love you, Alexander Smith.” She laces one hand with mine, while pressing the other right over my thundering heart. It’s when I notice she’s no longer wearing the engagement ring. “Cage me forever.”
I collar her throat. “You’re here for me?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“What about Matt?”
“He’s not the one,” she rasps, smiling through the tears in her eyes. “It’s always been you, Alex. It took losing you to make me realize I was making a terrible mistake. I can’t be without you. I love you. Only you. Please take me back. Plea—”
I crash my lips against hers, thrusting my tongue inside. Her arms go around my neck, kissing me back with fervor.
Grabbing her around the waist, I lift and place her ass on the hood of the car. She wraps her legs around my hips as I yank her head back and kiss her deeper. Our tongues duel, craving each other’s taste after being deprived of it for two terrible weeks.
“I missed you,” I rasp in between soft nips. “You’re never leaving me.”
“Never,” she pants.
“We’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Yes, okay.”
“And then I’m fucking you until you’re pregnant.”
“Our baby is going to want a sibling after he’s here.” She chuckles, making me freeze. “Or she.”
“What did you say?”
Her eyes twinkle with excitement and happiness. “I’m pregnant, Alex.”
“Y-you’re pregnant?” My voice comes out overwhelming.
Molly nods shyly. “We’ll have to come up with a story about how we conceived. No way I’m telling my kid that their dad kidnapped me on Halloween.”
I haul her against my chest, twirling us around. “We’re going to have a baby.”
She squeals, hugging me tighter.
I got everything I ever wanted.
My life is complete.