Chapter 5
When morning came, my bladder had been ready to burst. Seems it’d been the same for Gavin.
Regardless of the cold, we slipped our boots on and wrapped only a blanket around ourselves to go outside.
Our day began with blue skies; a stark difference from yesterday’s activity which left about two inches of snow covering the ground.
Gavin and I took turns taking care of business before getting back inside, cleaning up and dressing.
We wanted to waste no time in making our way back, so we straightened up the cabin and ensured the fire was out.
I rolled up the blankets, and Gavin tied them together, securing them to the bottom of my pack.
I said I wanted to wash them and bring them back as soon as the weather permitted.
Once on the main trail, we’d gone about an hour when our phones started alerting us to notifications.
Pulling them out, we both laughed at the number of texts and missed calls from our families.
I mean, not that it was funny they’d been worried and tried their damnedest to reach us, but funny that it’d been like passing through a curtain.
One minute, nothing, then suddenly, everything.
“Dad said he and Jace, who came home last night for a visit, were heading up this way in the morning. That, of course, being today.” Gavin looks at me. “Guess we can expect to encounter them on the trail or at the trailhead, depending on when they got started.”
“Well, at least they care enough to do that.” I hold up my phone, shaking it. “Seems my family only knows how to scold me about my rudeness for not answering them as well as preventing Roman from contacting me.”
Gavin’s expression darkens as he walks to me, caressing my cheek.
“Hey, screw them. Sorry, but if your parents don’t have the sense to love you for you, then they don’t deserve your response.
I know at some point you’ll have a talk with them.
At least, I’m thinking you will. But you are perfect the way you are.
” He gives me a quick kiss. “As for Roman, just let that mongrel come sniffing around. He’ll have me to deal with. ”
I manage a smile. “Thanks, Gavin. Never thought I’d want or need a protector, but I like having someone in my corner.”
“I’m definitely in it, cheering you on. You’re an amazing individual, Tiana, and I’m lucky enough to be in your world.”
I touch his cheek. “I’m the lucky one to have you in it.” I go up on my toes to kiss him.
“Sheesh, and here we thought we’d find them curled into a ball, suffering from frostbite.”
Gavin and I spin our heads toward the voice and see Henry and a younger man, whom I’m guessing is Jace.
“Come on,” Gavin says. “Hey, Jace!” He walks to him, giving him a hug. He then does the same to his father.
“Damn good to see you two are fine,” Henry says, looking at his son then me.
“We are,” I say. “Gavin took us to the old ranger’s cabin. And we made do.” I grin.
“So, big brother, going to introduce me to this beauty?”
Gavin chuckles. “Jace, this is Tiana Carusi.” He turns to me. “Tiana, my baby brother, Jace.”
“Baby brother, huh?” Jace grins. “I’ll keep my comments to myself in the presence of a lady. Hi, Tiana. Nice to meet you, given the circumstances.”
“Nice to meet you too. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of better encounters to come.”
He lifts a brow, smiling at me and then Gavin. “That so? Well, good to hear.”
“How ‘bout we head out.” Henry says. “Your mother was fit to be tied last night.”
“I’ve got signal, so I’ll text her now,” Gavin says. Once done, he stows his phone and the four of us make our way to the vehicles.
When we finally arrive at his parents’ place, Eliza comes running out the door and into Gavin’s arms. She then comes to me and wraps me in an embrace. “Thank God you two are safe.”
Throughout lunch, we regale Gavin’s family with our adventures; minus the sexy parts. But given the way we act, I’m sure they aren’t clueless about our attraction to one another. We eat, talk, and gush over Eliza’s decorating efforts which are lovely.
The subject of Christmas comes up, and Gavin tells his mom he’d invited me to spend time with him and his family.
“Oh, honey,” Eliza says, “you are more than welcome to share our home and holidays. And maybe I can talk you into teaching me the secret to your lemon bars.”
“It’d be my pleasure.”
Hours later, after saying goodbye to his family and going by the market, Gavin and I walk into the Stanton’s cabin, exhausted.
“I think I have just enough energy to shower and collapse into bed,” I say, dropping my gear and hanging up my coat.
Gavin wraps his arms around me from behind, nuzzling my neck. “Are you sure that’s all you have energy for?”
I lean my head to the side, giving him better access, humming with contentment. “Well, I suppose I could find the energy for another task.” I snake my hands between our bodies, rubbing his groin, finding him hard. “Is this what you had in mind?” I tease.
“I think you know it is. And I think there’s a plush bed calling our names.”
“Hmm, I think you’re correct.”
We make our way to the bedroom, quickly undressing and falling into bed. With little buildup needed, the sex is quick but no less satisfying. We then manage to make it to the shower, and after each of us are clean and dry, we snuggle under the covers, falling asleep within moments.
A month later
“Happy anniversary,” Gavin says, kissing me over my counter.
With no one else waiting in line, I linger in the lavish kiss, hearing a few awws from nearby patrons.
“Thank you, but the anniversary isn’t for three more days.”
“Sure, for your Cafe, but today is our one-month anniversary.” He presents a slim box that looks like an LP record he’d been holding behind his back.
“Oh, Gavin, this is so sweet. You didn’t have to.”
“Wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to.” He winks, making me chuckle.
I take the box and set it down to remove the bow and open the lid.
I pull open tissue paper to reveal a photograph in a wooden frame with elaborate scrollwork.
The picture is of us when we, along with Jace, had hiked back to the cabin, returning the blankets and leaving more supplies that would keep for others to use if needed.
We’d gone to the lookout again, and when Gavin and I made it to the top, Jace had obviously taken a picture of us from behind, our arms wrapped around one another.
There was a rainbow in the clouds that produced a lovely image.
Tears mist my eyes as I look up at Gavin. “This is beautiful,” I whisper.
His expression softens. “Not as beautiful as you, but yeah, makes a pretty picture, huh? Jace made the frame. One of his hobbies.”
“Oh, that makes it even more special.” I set the picture back in the box and rush around the counter, into Gavin’s awaiting arms. “Ti amo, my lumberjack, my alpha hero, il mio tutto.”
Gavin pulls back with awe in his eyes. “You love me?”
I nod, grinning like a fool.
He frames my face and kisses me hard. “I love you too. God, do I love you. I didn’t want to rush, didn’t want you to think it was too soon.”
I shake my head. “It’s not too soon, and it’s not rushed. When you know, you know. There’s no one I’d rather have in my life and in my future. Just you, Gavin Driscoll.”
“And what was that last thing you said? Il mio tutto?”
“My everything. You’re my everything,” I say against his lips before kissing him.
Gavin releases my face and wraps his arms around me, lifting me up and spinning me around while whooping with joy. As the patrons start clapping, I throw my head back and laugh, joining in Gavin’s joy because it’s mine too.
The door chimes indicating others are entering, and I catch a glimpse of my friends, Remi, Ronni, and Dustin.
“Whoa, what’s happening here?” Dustin asks.
Gavin comes to a stop, still holding me in his arms. “She loves me,” he says. “And I love her.”
The girls practically swoon and Dustin smiles. “Congratulazioni.”
Gavin sets me on my feet, taking ahold of my hand as I say, “Grazie, amico mio.”
“I’m really going to have to brush up on my Italian,” Gavin says, earning laughs.
“Come, let’s get you all the special of the day.” I lead Gavin and the others to a table before heading back to the counter. Deedee is there, looking at the picture.
“This is gorgeous,” she says.
“Isn’t it? I can’t wait to hang it up at my place.” I lean closer to whisper to her. “I got a key for Gavin and planned to ask him to move in with me.”
Deedee squeals, causing everyone to look at her. “Lovely, photograph, Gavin, just lovely,” she says as if to explain her excitement. She then looks at me and giggles. “Okay, today’s specials, coming up.”
As she starts on the orders, more patrons come in, and I assist them, keeping busy for several moments.
When drinks and treats are ready for Gavin and the group, I load them on a tray and take them over.
Gavin’s chatting with everyone since he’s already comfortable with them, having met my friends shortly after my trip to Pine Valley.
“Order up, i miei amici.”
“That means, my friends,” Ronni says, looking at Gavin.
“Can you join us?” Remi asks.
I look at Deedee making the order for two others, knowing she’s got it handled. “Yeah, I can take a few moments.”
Gavin pats his thigh. “Your seat’s ready.”
I gladly plant my rear in his lap, kissing his cheek.
“Your anniversary specials have been amazing, Tiana,” Remi says. “Have you seen an increase in traffic?”
“Thank you, and I have. Taleah’s coming in soon to help. It’s been a steady flow throughout the days, for which I’m thankful.”
“Think you’ll be surprised with a visit from your parents?” Dustin asks.
My friends know the situation with my parents and Roman.
I’d been hesitant to share, thinking I’d be burdening them with my troubles.
But Gavin convinced me it wouldn’t be a burden to them, only reinforcement for me.
My friends care about me, and having their support, their views, means the world to me.
Therefore, they know I had a conversation with my parents via a video call, and I had finally been able to convince them that I was on the path I chose to be on.
That I was happy. And that Gavin was a big part of that happiness.
I also learned that Roman had run his winery into the ground since he’d chased off all his employees.
He’d been forced to sell, and my father had been the buyer.
Now Papa was busy combining the operations, and surprisingly, he’d hired Tricia to assist. I’d been happy to hear.
Tricia is an excellent business manager, and I’m glad my father isn’t being overwhelmed.
“Actually, yes,” I say, receiving wide-eyed stares.
“Although my father is busy with the additional winery, he and my mother are in need of a break. They’ll be down Friday for my birthday and dinner, then Saturday, they’re flying to Italy.
Papa is going to try to convince my cousin, Guillermo, to relocate to the states and help run Carusi Wines. ”
“That all sounds excellent,” Ronni says.
“I’m so happy to hear your relationship is being repaired with them,” Remi adds.
“Me too,” I say. “I owe a lot to this man.” I face Gavin and palm his cheek.
He smiles. “All I did was suggest that heart-to-heart. And I couldn’t be happier for you.” He gives me a tender kiss.
“Oh, I think I can change your mind.” When he gives me a curious stare, I pull the key to my place out of my pocket and dangle it in front of him. “You can make us both happier by moving in with me.”
Gavin’s stare bounces back and forth from me to the key before a huge smile forms. He cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a kiss that should be reserved for private. But I don’t mind, and neither do my friends, as they all start clapping.
Congratulations sound off, but I’m lost in the man who has quickly claimed my heart.
When he finally breaks away, he’s still smiling, staring into my eyes. “Ti amo, bella.”
“Ti amo, mio eroe alfa.” I tell him I love him, my alpha hero. “Il mio falso boscaiolo.”
Dustin laughs and explains to the gals that I called Gavin my faux lumberjack. Ronni and Remi squeal with laughter.
“Now I really need to get serious about my Italian,” Gavin says.
“Have I told you I offer private lessons?” I tease.
“Hmm, name your price, beautiful.”
“How about a lifetime with me?”
“Sold,” he whispers, kissing me again, sealing the deal.