“I missed it, too.”
Annabel stared up at me. “What was it that made you finally come after me? I mean, it was something out a movie the way you showed up at the party. After all those months, I thought you had forgotten me.”
“You really don’t get it do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. Strong, beautiful, kind, caring, and funny. No man in his right man could ever forget you.”
Her lip trembled at my compliments. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I sure as hell do. As for me coming after you, I was pretty much miserable on a daily basis, but it was Willow who really helped me see the light.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. “She did?”
“I swear that kid is one hell of an old soul.”
With a smile, Annabel said, “I can’t wait to see her again.”
“She’ll be thrilled to see you. Everyone will. They love you as much as I do.”
“And I love them.”
I brought her arm up from chest to kiss her palm and then her scarred wrist. “I’ve been thinking,” she said.
“Mmm,” I murmured as I continued kissing along the scar.
“Since I’m going to be a biker’s old lady, I think I need some ink.”
I glanced up from her hand in surprise. “You do?”
“All of the girls have a tattoo but me, even Alexandra.”
I was once again surprised. “She does?”
Annabel nodded. “It’s somewhere hidden by her clothes. Somewhere only Deacon can see.”
“Mmm, hmm, and is that the type of ink you plan on getting? Something somewhere that only my eyes will see.”
“Not exactly.” She held her wrists up for both of us to look at. “I want to get the scars made into something beautiful. Maybe a butterfly on one wrist and angel wings on the other.”
I smiled since it was obvious she had been giving this a lot of thought, even when we were apart. “Why those specifically?” I asked.
Annabel pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Well, a butterfly has a beautiful rebirth when it comes out of its cocoon, especially since it seemed like its entire world was over.”
“That’s true.”
“And then an angel wings because it felt like at times I had an angel watching over me.” She smiled. “Or maybe you’re my angel.”
I laughed. “I think I would be more of the fallen angel variety.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I think you getting ink would be wonderful. I have just the guy to do it for you. I can make you an appointment when we get back.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate that.” She stared up at me with hopeful eyes. “Will you go with me?”
“Of course.” I pushed a strand of hair out of her face. “We’re a team now.”
