11. EPILOGUE
EPILOGUE
Elise
Thirteen months later…
“Would you take this fucking thing off me?” Huxton growls in front of me.
I nudge my arm in the center of his ridged back. “Dammit! Why do you have to be so damn strong!”
“I won’t give in until you tell me what’s going on!”
I give up trying to shove Huxton. Instead, I get my index finger and shove it straight into his ribs.
“Move forward, five more steps and I’ll remove the mask!”
Huxton grumbles something about getting payback later tonight, but I ignore it and move to where I can see his face. I want to see his expression when he sees the anniversary present I’ve got for him.
My stomach gives a nervous twitch as Huxton’s heavy boots crunch forward. He’s right where I need him, and I take one last look in front of us before giving him the all clear.
It’s taken me months of work. It’s not easy stalking around these mountains in secret, especially when the giant man in front of me knows every last hiding place these hills can provide.
But I’ve managed to do it.
“Okay. Take the blind off and open your eyes.”
Huxton lifts his hand up slowly, one big hand sliding the eye mask off his face. He immediately cups his mouth, hunching down with shock coursing through his body. I watch his breathing change, from short, sharp inhales to exasperated breaths.
“Elise, you didn’t,” he gasps, lost for words.
I hold my hand out, smiling. “Happy one year anniversary, baby. Come take a closer look.”
I lead Huxton towards the wooden statue. I’ve had the help of so many people, but finally the log that saved my life has been put to good use.
“It’s not exactly the same as the original, but I think it’s pretty darn close,” I say, watching Huxton swipe at his eyes.
He moves around the sculpture of him and his father, tears filled in his eyes. The details aren’t as fine as Huxton managed, but I’ll leave it up to my man to perfect. It makes my heart swell with pride to see him like this, the fact that I could do this for the man to whom I owe so much.
“It’s perfect,” he says, pulling me in his arms. He leans down and presses a kiss to my lips. “You’re the best wife ever, you know that?”
His hand slides down my dress and I giggle as he leads me around the statue. After a few silent minutes of reflection, Huxton spins me and pulls me into his warm body.
“You’ve never looked more beautiful than you do tonight,” he says.
There’s an instant heat between my legs. I know that look. I love that look.
“Oh really?”
He nods. “Yes, and I’d like to thank you for the best present anyone has ever given me.”
Without another word, he scoops me in his arms and we’re racing up the trail towards our cabin. We laugh the entire way until Huxton kicks the door open and throws me on our bed. He rips his shirt off and crawls up the bed, eyeing the length of my needy body.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
He knows I’m always ready for him, so I’m wondering if there is more to his question.
“Of course,” I agree, curling my finger to invite him closer.
He chuckles and shakes his head, sliding a warm hand up my leg. “No, no, no. I don’t think you understand. I said, are you ready?”
I swallow down, trying to calm the heat throbbing between my legs.
I’m pretty sure I know what he means, and there’s no doubt in my mind – I’m ready. I’ve been ready since the day I married this gorgeous man, but now that the lodge is running smoothly, I can take some time off to become a mom.
I nod, and his eyes light up.
“Oh, you’re a good girl,” he groans, eyes turner dark. “Now come to Daddy. It’s time I put a baby in that belly.”
With a squeal, Huxton pulls me down the bed and wastes no time planting his seed inside me. We make love, again and again and again.
I’ll be a mom by sunrise, I have no doubt about it.
We’re a family already, but welcoming a new child onto this blessed land, that will truly be the best gift ever.
And that completes the Men of Falls Creek Mountain Series. While I’m sad to be saying goodbye to the rugged beards and flannel shirts, I’m excited to share a new series with you: Operation: Curves.