Epilogue
Flame…
I never thought we’d actually get away. Between the investigation into the drugging, and then the shooting there was way too much legal shit.
When it was finally done, I still worried about Michelle.
She wasn’t the same. The doc said it was PTSD.
Not surprising considering what she’d been through.
I’d wanted to surprise her with the vacation but with how she’d been feeling I figured it would be better to talk to her about it instead.
We’d decided on Nova Scotia. It was quiet, beautiful, and very peaceful. Perfect for having her to myself and not worrying about who would upset her. We booked everything and today was the day. Finally.
Everyone came to the airport to see us off.
I’d have preferred to charter a plane but we ended up on a small commuter plane with only one other couple.
It was great to see Michelle really smile as she watched New York fade into the distance.
Hopefully so would some of her fears. I knew I had to be patient but it was so fucking hard.
I think I was as relieved as she was to be in the air and starting our trip.
The flight was short compared to crossing the Atlantic and we were settled in our cottage before nightfall.
I’d made sure it was stocked so we wouldn’t have to go out if she didn’t feel like it.
Even though it was June there was a cool spell, which was nice.
I made dinner, which surprised her. Nothing fancy, steak and potatoes and a good red wine.
I had dessert planned too. The closer it got the more my stomach knotted.
I’d been thinking about this for so long, maybe too long.
Now I was just freaked out. Was it too soon, would it be too much pressure on her?
I’d talked to Jack and Sally when we were looking at the plans for the property we’d bought in New Jersey.
Construction for the cabins would be done before winter and we’d be settled in our little houses before Christmas.
The big house for Jack and Sally and anyone else who visited would take a little longer to be finished but the builder promised it would be ready for Christmas too.
Sally said Michelle was stronger than I gave her credit for—even now—and that it would be fine.
Jack pretty much agreed with Sally. Big surprise there.
I hoped they were right because I was running out of time.
I’d decided it needed to be the first night because I couldn’t take the pressure. What a fuckin’ wuss I am, huh?
After dinner I suggested we sit on the porch and have coffee. I think I was drinking it as much as Michelle now.
“Sure, sounds nice. A huge smile on her face. She was definitely more relaxed than I’d seen her since everything happened.
“You go sit down I’ll grab the coffees and be right out.” She leaned in to me and gave me a kiss and ran her hands over my ass. Oh yeah…I’d missed the frisky Michelle. She didn’t know it but I’d packed her “goody bag” hoping she’d be in the mood for extra credit play.
Grinning as I picked up the mugs and the box of Godiva chocolate I’d smuggled from home. She was sitting on the porch swing and I sat next to her carefully handing her one of the mugs.
“It’s so beautiful here, babe. I’m so glad we came. I’m also so glad you suggested the vacation. This is really perfect. Thank you.”
My heart swelled and sped up. I swear she was going to kill me yet. Or maybe just the fucking suspense would. “How about some chocolate for dessert? I know Godiva is your favorite.”
“Holy crap. You have been busy. I don’t think you forgot a thing did you? I’m in awe. I couldn’t have planned this better.”
“Baby, I love you. I want everything to be perfect for you. I know it won’t always and I’m going to fuck up plenty.
I just hope when I do you can remember times like this and forgive me.
” I put my mug on the deck and opened the box of chocolate.
Dead center was the box I’d been carrying around since I’d gotten back from London. It was definitely the time.
Her hand was shaking as she reached for it and her cheeks were tinged pink. I’m not sure if it was from the cool air or what she had to know was happening.
“Michelle, baby, light of my life, heart of my heart, I love you with all that I am and all that I have. I don’t want to live a day without you in my life. Will you please be my wife?”
Tears were rolling down her cheeks, the chocolate was forgotten as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I pulled her close and kissed her with all the passion I’d held back while she was healing.
After a few minutes I pulled back so we could catch our breath and I wanted to finally put the ring on her finger. Opening the box, I took her hand and slowly put the ring on her finger.
“Oh God Eric I love it. It’s so beautiful. When did you buy this? You’ve been with me constantly.”
“I brought it back from Europe. I knew then I never wanted to be without you again. It was pure fucking hell.”
“Yes it was,” she said as she held up the ring to the light and the colors of the rainbow flashed across her skin from the heart shaped diamond. “I’m surprised you got a heart.”
“Why wouldn’t I? You have my heart, now you can look down every day and know I’m yours.”
“I love you, Eric Matthews. I don’t want to spend a day without you either.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted her so bad. Pulling her into my arms I picked her up and carried her inside to try out the bed.
The End
If you enjoyed reading this or any other book, please consider leaving a review. Your favorite authors really appreciate it! Thank you, Lynne xoxo