“What look?” Iris asked.
“The ‘we’re planning our future’ look,” Sampson supplied, bouncing Zaïre gently. “I recognize it. Aiden and I had that look right before he proposed.”
“Proposed?” Elara perked up. “Are we talking engagement?”
“No!” I said, my face burning. “We’re not talking about anything. We’re just... being here. With Renee. And Zaïre.”
But Lex’s hand found mine and squeezed, and the look he gave me said everything his words couldn’t in this room full of people.
Soon.
We stayed for another hour, passing Zaïre around, telling stories, laughing until our sides hurt. Dr. Crosby arrived and shooed us out so she could examine Renee properly.
On the walk back to the cabin, Lex kept me tucked against his side.
“Did you mean it?” I asked quietly. “About babies and marriage and everything?”
“Every word.” He stopped and turned me to face him. “I know it’s fast. I know we’re still figuring out the distance and schedules. But I also know that I want you in my life permanently. In every way that matters.”
“What about Majesty?”
“He wants the same things. We’ve talked about it.” He cupped my face. “We want to build a life with you, Cami. A real one. Not just scenes and visits. A home. A family. Everything.”
Tears pricked my eyes, but these were happy tears. Hopeful tears.
“I want that too,” I whispered. “So much.”
“Then we’ll make it happen.” He kissed me softly. “Together. The three of us.”
“Together,” I agreed.
I felt solid ground beneath my feet. Not the snow, gravel, and earth. But the stability of a relationship where I didn’t have to question things. I wasn’t completely healed and fear-free, but the huge weight on my chest had been lifted. Plus, I’d planned to resume therapy since all of this had brought out new insecurities I hadn’t expected. Trusting my men hadn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. But they were willing to work through it with me. Slaying my demons with me, giving me the push I needed to be strong for myself so that our relationship would grow for us.
I had them. They had me. And we were going to build something beautiful. One day at a time and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them.
“Where is Majesty?” I asked when we got to our cabin and the truck wasn’t there.
“He went to welcome his friend to the Ranch.” Lex smiled.
“I miss him.” I admitted.
“Well, let’s go find him for you.” Lex kissed my forehead and pulled me closer as we walked in the direction of the main building.
Chapter Thirty
Hayden
Rawhide Ranch at night was something else entirely. The main Dungeon space had been transformed for Valentine’s Day Eve—red lights casting warm shadows across the exposed beams, strategically placed candles creating intimate pockets throughout the space. Submissives moved through the room wearing hearts and flowers, some in elaborate costumes, others in simple red and pink accents on their usual leather and lace.
I stood near the entrance, taking it all in. First time here, and Majesty hadn’t oversold it.
“Impressive, right?” Majesty appeared at my elbow with two glasses of bourbon. He handed me one. “Wait until you see the private rooms.”
“Lead the way.”
He guided me through the space, pointing out various stations and equipment as we went. The St. Andrew’s crosses. The suspension points and elaborate rope work on display. Everything was top-tier, maintained to perfection. Well, at least in my eyes.
“You can use any of this,” Majesty explained. “Private rooms are available if you want more intimacy. Just check the booking system.”
