Home. Where are you?
The three dots appeared again, and she went from hot to cold to hot again. Taco whimpered. Or maybe it was Faith. And when she read his reply, she nearly lost her lunch.
At your door.
She glanced up as the handle turned and when Gus appeared in her doorway, she launched herself at him. He wrapped his arms around her, and she buried her nose into his chest. It felt like home, and try as she might, she couldn’t articulate the thoughts in her brain. All she could do was cling to this man with all her might because, this time, she wasn’t letting go.
“Hey,” he said roughly, cradling her face in his hands so that she was forced to look up at him. They stared into each other’s eyes for a long time without saying a word, and then he dropped a soft, quiet kiss to the corner of her mouth. He rested his forehead against hers.
“I had to travel the world to find out that the only place I want to be is here. With you.” He moved so that she could see him. “I love you, Faith. And that’s something I don’t say lightly. In fact, I’ve never said it before. I’ve never been in love before. Never wanted a woman so bad she’s the only thing I see when I close my eyes. The only voice I remember when it’s quiet and that alone feels so big I can’t stand it.” He leaned forward and breathed into her. “I love you.”
“I love you,” she replied, kissing him back with all the passion and hunger inside of her. “I have loved you since before you left. I loved you enough to let you go because I thought it was what you wanted and I—”
He angled his head back, his face serious. “I want to make a life with you.”
“Here?” she asked. “What about your family?”
Gus leaned down once more. He pulled her close and rested his chin on top of her head. She loved the strength in him. The warmth. The desire.
“We’ll figure it out. At the end of it all, we’re family.” His hands crept up to her waist. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“Maybe you should ask me what my plans are for the rest of the weekend.”
He grinned, and the love she felt expanded even more. It was big and wild and exciting, and she was so happy she could barely keep it contained.
“What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?” he asked before running his tongue along her neck.
“I thought I’d spend it in bed.” She stepped out of his embrace, a wicked smile on her face. “With you.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“Think you can keep up?”
“I’m willing to give it a shot.” He grinned wickedly.
Faith spent the entire weekend holed up in her apartment with Gus. They made love. They talked. They laughed. They even played a board game. She knew there were still things to overcome — his family, her family.
But as Monday morning dawned bright and sunny, she rolled over in bed and watched the man she loved sleep like a baby. He looked relaxed. Content. Happy. He was a perfect reflection of what she felt inside. There was power in that. Power in taking control of your own destiny.
Her hand crept to her belly, and she smiled.
Power in making a life.
It was the power of love.
His eye slid open. “What?” he asked, voice sleep heavy.
“Nothing,” she murmured.
“Come here,” he commanded roughly, his arms reaching for her. He pulled her into his arms, and after a few moments, he was deep under again. He was her home.
Fire Lake was her home.
It was the start of a beautiful life, and though she was sure it wouldn’t be perfect, it would be hers and Gus’s. He’d come back to her, and she was never letting go.
Epilogue
Two months later
