Without question, she was his.
When they stilled, they gazed into each other’s eyes.
Love surrounded her… until reality invaded her perfect moment. She was as vulnerable as she’d been all those years ago. Fear hovered, but she didn’t latch on. Nothing would ruin this.
As if sensing her feelings, he said, “I meant what I said. I will love you forever, andalwaysput you first.”
The fear floated away, replaced with confidence. She returned his smile. “I love you too.”
Moments passed before she pulled off him. Together, they went into the bathroom, got ready for bed. Rather than sleep in the other bedroom, she stayed.
No words needed.
In bed, he folded her into his arms.
“This is it,” he murmured. “You know that, right?”
Silence.
“I love you with my whole soul,” he said.
She lifted her face, peered into his eyes. “You haven’t said that to me in a long time.”
“I never stopped feeling it.”
Neither did I.
THE NEXT MORNING,they were out the door at five-forty-five. Both wearing leathers, motorcycle boots on their feet.
They mounted their bikes, pulled on their helmets, and rolled into the driveway as the sun teased the horizon with the day’s first light. After the garage door closed, they started their engines, and headed out.
Slash loved riding, loved that Carrera was riding alongside her.
The July Fourth Holiday week brought light traffic as they rode out of the sleepy neighborhood, onto the main road,continuing to the GW Parkway. She loved riding her Bandit, loved the breeze flowing past her, the freedom that came when flying down the road on a motorcycle.
Carrera on his Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster was total eye candy. More than anything, she had someone who shared her love of riding.
He signaled, slowed, turned into an overlook on the parkway. She pulled in, parked beside him. They had the place to themselves. After dismounting, they removed their helmets. He clasped her hand, walked down a path. Below lay the rushing waters of the Potomac. She found a boulder, perched on top. He stood alone, peering out at the stunning vista, the sun bursting forth on a new day filled with promise.
Despite everything going on, she paused to appreciate the beauty. As she took in the stunning view, she thanked God that Elsa was safe. She recommitted to doubling-down on finding the monster who was snatching up women and doing God-knows-what with them.
A chill streaked down her spine, but she didn’t want to lose the gift of the moment, so she shifted her sights toward Carrera. He was studying her intently as he made his way over.
He eased onto the boulder, brought her hand to his lips, kissed her fingers, then her palm. “I love this.”
“Me too.”
“This is good for us.”
They sat in a peaceful silence, their fingers entwined, their breathing in perfect sync.
“Babe,” he said.
She turned toward him.
“I’m going to ask you to marry me.”
Her heart leapt for joy, but she needed to be the voice of reason.
