Epilogue
EMMA
I can't believe I've been living with Luke for nearly a year. It's our anniversary today of meeting and I never expected to find my mountain man soldier this time last year. We had a different kind of introduction to each other than I ever expected in life, but that seems about right for us.
I can work wherever the hell I want to. I just need to travel to find photo opportunities to sell. But I never thought that I’d have my own guide to help me navigate the mountains, valleys, seas and any other place in this world. Luke was discharged with a medical pension, so he didn't have to work. He's really taken to helping me and we work so well together.
Today, we’re walking back up the mountain to our little retreat. Since it was blown up and smashed to pieces, we've done a little bit of remodeling. It's bigger now, giving room for the two of us. It's my slice of heaven where I go to truly switch off from the world. We spend our days hiking, reading, drinking wine, eating good food and fucking. Heaven.
"Hey, soldier boy, wait up. What's the rush? You're moving far too fast for me." Sometimes Luke forgets how small I am and how one of his strides is about two or three for me. But he seems to be in a hurry. I just walk at my own pace. Hopefully, he’ll have a glass of wine ready for me when I get there.
I finally make it to the cabin, and Luke is standing there with a glass of wine. He knows me too well. The fire is already lit, and he pulls me in for a hug and a kiss.
"Was worried I'd lost you on the way," he says, smiling. "Can you believe it's a year since you pushed your way into my life?" He's deadly serious. I did kind of force myself on him, I guess.
"Best year of my life, babe." I lean up and kiss him. "Best year."
I walk inside and leave my bag in the bedroom. When I walk out, he's down on one knee in front of the fire. "What are you doing, Luke?" I ask. Is he proposing, or is he stoking the fire?
"Emma, stop talking for a minute." He smiles at me and takes my hand. "Emma, you came into my life when I didn't realize I needed you. We went through so much then, more than anyone goes through in a lifetime together. It brought us closer to together. I love you so much. I never thought I’d find someone who was the perfect woman for me. But I did. I found you."
I try to speak, but he just looks at me and I close my mouth and smile.
"I want to marry you and spend the rest of our lives together, traveling the world and taking photos of beautiful things. Will you marry me, Emma?"
I look at him, and he nods. I can speak now. "Luke, oh my god. Oh my god."
He looks at me. "Is that a yes or a no, Emma. I need your words. Will you marry me??"
I drop to the floor so that I can see his face better. "Luke, I love you so much. Yes, yes, yes." I lean forward and let him kiss me as he slides the ring on my finger. I look at the ring and it's so beautiful.
"I didn't get a flashy enormous diamond because I know with the work that we do the clasps might get scratched or damaged. So, I bought one that is a little old fashioned with a flatter setting. I hope you like it." He looks at me and for the first time, I see a look that I've not seen before. He's looking for my approval.
"Luke, this is perfect, and I’m so glad you picked this setting. It's perfect for me. It's perfect for my work and it's perfect because you picked it out for me." We both stand and hug each other tight. "I love you, Luke."
I hear a knock at the door and his parents and my friend, Jules, let themselves in. I look at Luke. "I kind of thought you would say yes, so they've come to celebrate." I laugh so loud. He looks so nervous.
Jules rushes at me when she comes in. I haven't seen her for a few months as we've been out of the country so much.
"Bitch, show me that ring." I thrust my hand up so she can look at it and she squeals really loud. She goes over to Luke. "Thanks for making my girl happy again." She kisses him on the cheek, and he stands there just staring at her.
Luke's mom has brought food with her, and she lays the table for all of us.
Looking out the floor-to-ceiling window, at the forest and the snow, I know I’m in my own little piece of heaven. And I'm with the people who mean the most to me.
After eating the food and downing a few glasses of wine. The satellite cell rings. I answer it.
"Hey is that Emma?" A woman's voice comes on the cell.
"Yes, it is. How can I help you?" I don't recognize her voice at all.
"I'm calling to let you know that the Blue Wolves have been on the move again. They’re moving toward the Appalachian Mountains," the voice says.
"Anywhere in particular?"
"Yeah, Maine." The woman hangs up.
I turn around to see Luke staring at me. "Is everything, okay?"
I smile. "Yes, we’re going traveling." I look at his parents and Jules. "Not today but in the next few days."
"Blue Wolves?" he questions. He knows me well.
I nod.
"Where?"
"Maine. Appalachians." I look at him and see his lips turn up in a smile. He loves the adventure as much as I do. We've only seen the Blue Wolves in the Rockies once since that fateful night. But it was beautiful. We weren't chased off by Viktor and his men, so we got some fantastic photos and memories. I edited them and didn't want to sell them, but when I did, I made enough money to finance our year of just hiking and relaxing.
The funny thing is no one else has ever seen them. The lady who calls me doesn't give me her name or number-- it's always a burner. I just get the call. She gives me the information and we leave. Actually, how did she get the satellite cell number?
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A guarded military man. A scared woman on the run. And a blizzard of emotions.
Archer
I retired from the Army and moved to the charming town of Whiskey Creek to embrace a quiet, peaceful life.
When a fierce snowstorm and an unexpected detour named Geneva Thayer throws me a curveball I never saw coming, I drop some of my guarded ways.
Geneva is sassy, fierce, and undeniably beautiful.
But beneath her confident exterior, she’s harboring a dangerous secret that has her on the run.
Forced to ride out the blizzard together, we seek refuge in my cabin while the storm rages outside, and the tension simmers within.
As we weather the storm, I find myself falling for her—deeper than I ever thought possible.
And as the snow begins to clear, I’m left wondering...
Will Geneva leave once the storm passes, or could this unexpected encounter turn into the forever I never knew I needed?
For those who crave love stories that are deliciously hot yet incredibly sweet, Winter Rescue will warm your heart and ignite your desires. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning for the next story.