Jordan put her hands on her hips. “This isn’t about clubbing. It’s about having fun with my BFFs before they desert me again.”
“We’re going to Miami, not China,” I said. “And you could always come with us. I hear they have a great nightlife there.”
We were spending two weeks at Westhorne before we started our next assignment, which was to establish the new command center in Miami. The Council was so pleased with the success of the first two centers they had plans to create them in major cities around the world. It looked like Sara and I were going to get in some of that traveling we wanted to do.
Chris took my arm and smiled at the others.
“Whatever you guys decide is okay with us. Now if you’ll excuse us, Beth and I have plans for the rest of the afternoon.”
“We do?” I asked as we walked away from our friends.
“Not really,” he said when we were out of earshot. “I just wanted to spend some time alone with you. Let’s go for a walk.”
We crossed the grounds and entered the woods. Geographically, Westhorne was a lot like Longstone, surrounded by woods and miles from the nearest town. I already loved it here.
It didn’t take long for me to realize where we were headed. Sara had taken me to see the lake on my first day here. Sure enough, we arrived there five minutes later.
“It’s beautiful here,” I said as we strolled near the edge of the water. “So peaceful.”
He pointed across the small lake. “See that spot over there between the two big oak trees? That’s where Nikolas plans to build their house when we finish with the Miami job.”
“I can’t believe Sara didn’t mention it. She loves this lake.”
“She doesn’t know yet. He’s going to tell her today.”
I wished I could see Sara’s face when Nikolas dropped his surprise on her.
“She’s going to flip. Not that I can blame her. It’s gorgeous here.”
He stopped walking and faced me, wearing a smile that told me he was up to something.
“How would you feel about us being their neighbors?”
I gaped at him for a full ten seconds before I saw he was serious.
“You want to build a house here?”
He smiled. “If that’s what you want. Nikolas and I thought it would be nice for the four of us to have a private place to come home to between jobs. And since this whole valley is protected by Fae wards and hellhounds, it’s safe to –”
“Yes!”
I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. When neither of us was steady on our feet, we sank to the grass and made out like teenagers until the not-too-distant bark of a hellhound reminded us this place wasn’t that private.
Sitting on the grass with my back to Chris’s chest, I pictured a pretty little house nestled in the trees with a deck overlooking the water. I saw Chris and me sitting on our deck waving to Sara and Nikolas in their own house across the lake. The daydream changed, and I saw little blonde and brunette children playing together while we looked on. Warmth filled me, and I heaved a sigh of pure bliss.
Chris rested his chin on my shoulder. “By the way, do you know what today is?”
I frowned. Our one-year anniversary was last month, and I couldn’t think of anything else.
“No. What is it?”
“Exactly fifteen years ago today, you and I met.”
I gasped. “Oh, my God, you’re right. You remembered the date?”
He hugged me tighter. “I told you, Dove. I remember everything about you. Meeting you is something I could never forget.”
I thought back to that day, but I couldn’t remember much beyond the heat of the fire and the smoke burning my nose and throat. And Chris. Most of my memories of that day were a blur except for him. The moment I’d looked up into his eyes, I’d felt safe, and when he’d held me, I’d known that was where I belonged.
“Do you know, I think I fell in love with you a little that day?” I said.
Chris nodded slowly. “That explains why you’re so crazy about me.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see them. “Don’t you believe in love at first sight?”
“I don’t know, but I do believe I was supposed to go to that building. Whether it was fate or some higher power at work, I was meant to find you.”
I smiled dreamily. I loved it when he said things like that. “And now, I’m your mate.”
He pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth.
“Now, you’re my everything.”
~ The End ~