And it’s because of the woman at my side.
“How are you doing?” Her touch as she runs her palm over my forearm grounds me.
When I look down at her, the automatic answer that used to spill out of me so easily isn’t there. I take a beat and think about it.
“Anxious.”
Her hand slides lower and she links our fingers together. “That’s okay.”
She doesn’t try to calm or fix anything. There’s no false promise that everything will be fine. There’s just her presence and acceptance.
It makes walking through her door a little easier.
I knock on the door frame before we enter. Her light blue eyes find me, and after a flicker of confusion, there’s recognition.
“There you are.”
It’s a win, and my shoulders drop a few inches and I exhale a breath. I was prepared for anything but this is good.
Her eyes drift to Aspen, still at my side.
“And remind me who this pretty thing is?”
Of course it hurts that she doesn’t remember Aspen, but instead of letting that fuel my fears, I let myself feel the sadnessfor what it is. I remind myself that this is what Aspen signed up for and she doesn’t need me to try and shield her from it.
Aspen squeezing my hand is all the confirmation I need that this too will be okay.
“This is Aspen, my girlfriend.” It hardly seems a big enough word to describe everything I feel for the woman. My everything, would be more accurate.
“Hi, Monica. I’m so happy to be here with you and Emmett today.”
“Oh, darling, I think I like you.”
It’s that easy today for Aspen to win her over, taking the same seat beside her as she did last time. Everything I need is right here in this room, and I feel that too as I watch, leaning against the wall by the window.
I didn’t let my fears ruin me and this is the payoff.
EPILOGUE
ASPEN
Eighteen months later . . .
There’s still no view like this one. Although I’ll be the first to admit that not having to climb a ladder to see it is pretty nice.
The sliding door opens behind me with a snick before a wineglass is pressed into my hand. Hard planes of muscle press flush to my back as Emmett ropes an arm around my waist and buries his face in my neck. That move still sends goosebumps racing over my arms.
“How’d I know I’d find you out here?”
With him holding me, everything is right in the world as I look out over the dark mountain and the glittering stars. It’s too dark to see it, but I know the camper sits just to the side of our A-frame, right where it was parked that first time Emmett brought me here. No matter where we take it for long weekends, it always makes it back here. It’s a staple in our lives these days—hosting friends and family when they come here to spend time with us.
“Well, it is my favorite place in the world.”
“The forecast shows a chance of auroras tonight.”
Of course, I know that. I’ve got alerts set on my phone because missing them is a crime, but I play along. “Is that so?”
“Uh-huh.” His lips move until they’re brushing the shelf of my ear, making me shiver. “I checked.”
