It's going to be my mission to show her every day that she got it right this time. I'll break my back and do whatever it takes to make sure she has all the love, happiness, and fulfillment she deserves in spades.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand just as I’m thinking that, distracting me from my bed mate for a moment. Reaching out blindly behind me, I grab the phone and open the messages to find one from Wyatt.
Wyatt: Hey. Just thought I'd check in while I can. We're sheltering in a bay up North while we sit out the storm. Are you and Mags OK?
Red: Good to hear from you, kid. I’ve been wondering how you were going. Glad you’re safe. Just looked outside and we’re snowed in. We don’t have to be in Palmer until Friday, so we are just going to stay where we are.
Wyatt: That’s good. I checked the weather map, and it looks like it’ll pass tonight.
Red: Aww, kid. Were you worried about me?
Wyatt: I always worry about you. You should know that by now.
There’s no wiping the smile off my face after reading that.
Red: Dammit, kid. Stop being so responsible. Who’s the parent here? Besides, I’m big enough to look after myself now.
Wyatt: You may be older and wiser but I’m always going to worry about you.
Red: Would it help if I told you I’m not alone anymore and I’m never going to be?
I watch as my son types then stops… types then stops again. The message finally comes through moments later.
Wyatt: Don’t joke with me now, Dad. That’s not funny.
Red: No joking. Seems like the will of the mountain is stronger than any of us thought. She opened my eyes to what I could have and I grabbed it with two hands. Now I’m not letting Mags go.
Wyatt: I’m so damn happy right now. I hoped that inviting Mags on the trip would set a fire under both of y’all.
I stare at the message, a startled laugh bubbling out of me.
Red: Not you too? You thought you’d play matchmaker?
Wyatt: I hoped you two would see what the rest of us could. Mags has always been there for us and was already part of the family. Now I can rest easy knowing that she makes you happy. You deserve that, Dad.
Red: Shit, kid. I don’t know what to say. You’re wiser than me, that’s for sure.
Wyatt: Nah, everything I know, everything I believe, is all from you and Mom. And Mags too. When Mom passed, we all felt the loss. Mags isn’t a replacement for her, she’s the reward you always deserved.
My eyes wet with tears, my heart swelling with pride.
Red: I’m happy, Wy. Real damn happy. It feels right, you know?
Wyatt: We all knew it, you two just took your time to realize that you not only love each other, you’re IN love too.
Red: So just to be clear, you’re OK with this development?
Wyatt: Dad, you've had your life on hold for far too long now. You both deserve this. You deserve each other. Of course, I'm happy. I've also just won a bet so tell the guys back home they better pay up when I'm home.
I snort, shaking my head.
Red: Love you, kid. Miss you already.
Wyatt: Love you back. Mags too. Say Hi from me and tell her I’m missing her food. Gotta go. Talk soon.
A soft warm hand slides over my chest and just like that, my phone is forgotten, I drop it over the side of the bed and turn to face my One.
Our eyes lock and the soft smile on her lips has me leaning in and brushing my mouth against hers, loving the way she melts into me. She runs her hands up my chest and my heart swells all over again with emotions I never thought I'd experience again. Pulling her close, I kiss her again, taking my time to explore, taste, and earn all of her little sighs and moans that drive me crazy.
