It’s the first time I’ve said those words to a man. And it feels heavy, but beautiful heavy.
“I love you, Liberty.” He brushes my hair back, kisses my forehead and sighs. “When I think back, I think some part of me fell for you months ago.”
I sit upright. “I thought that same thing earlier today.”
“It’s why your brother isn’t here right now.”
My eyes widen. “You really think he would?—”
“Tear down the world if he thought you were alone with someone that was a threat? Yeah, I do.”
“So you think he knows we’re, um, barely out of bed today?”
“He doesn’t want to think about that.”
I cover my face with my hand, groaning. “I don’t want to think about him thinking about that.”
He chuckles and sets a plate of cookies, fruit, and cheese in my lap. “This should help. Those were labeled as Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. And the cheese is Humboldt Fog. Sounded interesting.”
And just like that, he soothes me again. It’s not the food necessarily, although that’s part of it. It’s the thoughtful way he’s said he will stand between me and whatever is a threat.
I’m a little teary-eyed as the movie starts, but it’s dark, so he doesn’t see.
CHAPTER 25
Curling up in bed tonight is different. Liberty’s completely relaxed when she lies on my arm, tucking into my side.
“I’m going to sleep like a rock,” she murmurs, yawning.
With my chest aching, I pull the blanket up around her. “Rest well, sweetheart.”
“Dim the lights,” I tell the system, and seconds later it fades to almost black. With only a faint twinkle of light in the intricate cave ceiling above us.
“That’s nice,” she whispers sleepily. “So are you.”
I grin toward the ceiling. “You’re nice too, babe.”
She nestles closer, and another level unlocks inside my heart. Walls have been falling one after another. Every touch. Her laugh. The way she watches me, knowingly, with understanding in her expression.
Never before did I believe in Christmas miracles. But now I’m a believer.
“Night,” she murmurs, and I brush her hair back, letting the golden strands sift through my fingers. Everything about her stirs me and soothes me.
I love how her feet find their spot between my calves and how quickly she’s drifting off.
It doesn’t take long for me to follow. The nightmares don’t come. Worry about Justice doesn’t intrude. Memories of my lost ex don’t surface.
I sleep soundly as if the whole world is right.
My body clock wakes me before dawn, and I slip from the bed, making sure Liberty’s tucked. Warm. Safe.
I’d rather wake up together today, but it’s Christmas and I have something important to do.
CHAPTER 26
Mmmm. That’s nice.
I nuzzle deeper under the fluffy, warm comforter.
