that there’s anything wrong with being further separated from society. When we visited Halder’s folks, I found their place to be a nice escape from reality. I just couldn’t picture myself being quite that remote on a permanent basis. We’ve all come to a mutual understanding on the subject, thankfully. The next step is getting them to drive our way for a trip. Baby steps and such.
Speaking of adorable little bundles of joy, Halder is striding toward me with our infant cradled against his chest. Zailey appears to be snoozing away, more than happy to be snuggling with her daddy. The smirk he wears has both dimples popping out to say hello. A tendril of heat curls in my lower belly from that look alone. I swipe a finger under my bottom lip to be sure no dribbles of drool are visible. It’s been too freaking long since I’ve been able to release this building pressure aiming directly at him. A girl is bound to break eventually.
“Great turnout, Lee.” That gravel timbre almost makes me purr.
After sucking in a gulp of heated air, I chase the pesky trembles of lust away. I paste on a wide smile while bending to nuzzle our baby snuggled in the crook of Halder’s arm. “It’s going so well. Renee told me all of the pups have been adopted. Most of the kitties, too.”
“Nicely done, sweetheart. There are a lot of happy families expanding their love because of your efforts.” He holds up his free hand and I offer a high-five.
“Ours. This is your hard work paying off, too.” This event was a bit of an undertaking with a fussy newborn, but the lack of sleep is paying off with each animal finding a new home.
“Always giving me too much credit,” he murmurs.
“Only because you deserve it,” I retort. “I’ll shower you with appreciation until the tub overflows.”
His emerald gaze twinkles under the sunlight. “So long as you’re in there with me.”
“As if there’s any other place I’d be.”
My goal of proving his priceless qualities is still in full swing. Halder is more responsive in regards to his worth as of late. The hero worship I caught in the wilderness has only grown. There’s little doubt in my mind that we can accomplish anything.
In another month, this man will become my husband. Our wedding can’t arrive fast enough. We plan to exchange vows on the anniversary of that first afternoon we woke up in the woods. That date has held a bittersweet tang and we want to remove any trace of negativity. Abducted or not, we were brought together. That’s what we’re celebrating. Forever.
“Where’s my granddaughter?”
We look in the direction of my mother’s voice, finding her twirling in a circle. Her gaze lands on us with a pout. She holds up grabby-hands toward Zailey.
“Well,” Halder chuckles. “I guess someone needs a baby cuddle.”
I hum while drifting a hand over our daughter’s head. “We can’t blame her. Our little peanut is the cutest ever.”
“We produce good stock.” He winks at me.
I bump my hip into his. “Yes, we certainly do. I can’t wait to begin practicing for another one. You know, since we can always improve on our skills.”
“Hold that thought, sweetheart. I’ll make this exchange quick.”
I slide my palm into the back pocket of his jeans, giving him a squeeze. “Please do.”
Halder hustles off without a backwards glance. I bite my bottom while watching him strut off. The swagger is legit with that one. I allow my thoughts to drift while watching my fiancé approach his mother-in-law. Those two might’ve gotten off to a rocky start, but they’ve managed to form a genuine bond over the past several months. Halder has been vital in getting my mom to see that there’s nothing to fear beyond the walls of her home. He can attest to the horrors that take place while sealed inside a secure vault better than anyone. I haven’t seen her smile this much since the faded memories of when my father was still around. That might have something to do with the snoozing pink package she’s giddy to receive.
“You look hungry enough to eat an entire steak.”
I shake off the desire clogging my brain and pin a glare at my younger sister. “Very funny. Where did you swoop in from all of a sudden?”
Reagan swats at the pleasant air, blindly gesturing to her left. “I’ve been circling. Figure this was an excellent opportunity to appreciate the scenery with you. Talk about lady porn.”
I