The postcard he’d mailed from the Grand Canyon when he cut me out of his life and moved to L.A.
So many ups and downs. So many months of wondering how he really felt, and not knowing if he was okay. And all along he’d loved me. All along we were going to be together.
“You okay, luv?” he asked.
“Yes,” I whispered. I was far better than okay.
“Time to buckle up,” Blake said, getting fancy by using the intercom system. “We are now beginning our initial descent into the Grand Canyon area. Please, uh, stow all your luggage in the, uh . . .”
“Overhead compartments,” called out the twins in sync as Blake fumbled his way through the landing spiel.
While they chattered, Kaidan and I linked fingers and held tight, impromptu husband and wife headed for our one-night honeymoon at one of the world’s natural wonders.
“Oh, man, look out your windows,” Blake said.
A collective gasp sounded as we all leaned over and took in the great expanse below—a massive crevice in the earth’s surface as far as we could see and deeper than we could fathom. The enormity of it was spooky. I looked up into the blue depths of Kaidan’s eyes, which held warm promises that sent a shiver to my core. It was a day for beautiful, unfathomable, wondrous things.
With each dip of the plane, my heart soared, and I thanked heaven for loopholes and long-lost dreams come true.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
IMPATIENT FRECKLES
Kaidan and I said our good-byes to the others and took a cab together, all the while searching the skies. This seemed too good to be true. I didn’t want to think that way, but I’d never wanted anything as badly as I wanted this night with Kaidan. After two years of longing, we could finally be together, and it would bring us some measure of safety.
I still couldn’t believe this was possible. I’d been so paranoid about the hilt and its unforgiving judgment that I hadn’t taken into account the power of love and loyalty, for which the Sword of Righteousness could not fault us. It seemed so obvious now. So right.
“Grand Canyon’s right over there,” the cabbie said, pointing to the left. “Your place ain’t far. You could probably walk.”
As we drove past, we stared through patchy trees and saw railings along a dry, rocky ledge, and then nothing. Just a massive drop and a sky darkening into dusk. Kaidan and I cuddled closer as we leaned toward the window to peer out together. It was almost enough to make me forget everything out there in the world that wanted to hurt us. But Kaidan never forgot. He peered around at our surroundings again in that protective, cautious way, and it brought me back to reality.
Minutes later we were parked outside a modern log cabin. An uncontrollable grin split my face as nerves overtook me once more.
Kaidan and Blake had been busy boys during our wait this afternoon. Along with getting the rings, Kaidan had scored an amazing resort cabin.
The cabbie drove away, leaving us standing on the front step in silence. I stared at Kai’s badge for what felt like a long time before he touched my chin and I met his eyes. The night was warm, and yet I found myself shivering.
Without warning, Kaidan picked me up, cradling me in his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Er . . . carrying you over the threshold. That’s what I’m supposed to do, right?”
I giggled and he gave the cutest sheepish grin. “I think it’s supposed to be the threshold of our home, but I like it.”
He held his face an inch from mine. “This is our home tonight. Anywhere with you is my home.”
Love for him lit every corner of my soul. I held myself up with my arms around his neck, giving him a soft kiss. “Take me inside,” I whispered. The scent of sweet and spicy citrus filled my nose.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Inside, I drew a deep breath as he set me on my feet and closed the door. I said a silent prayer that no whisperers would find us this night, and I vowed to myself not to spend our time together worrying. I would focus on Kai and let him distract me.
The cabin was exquisite. Everything from floor to ceiling was natural stone and wood beams. It had a rustic atmosphere, with the added luxury of modern amenities.
We walked into the single room with its steepled roof, and I covered my mouth to stifle an excited squeal. The bed. The bed! I’d never seen anything like it. The headboard was part of an enormous tree, and the branches jutted out high over the top of the king-size bed like a canopy. I ran to it and jumped into the fluffy comforter made of soft fall colors.
“This is so awesome!” I bounced on my knees, grabbing a silky brown pillow with turquoise trim and squeezing it. Kaidan stood against the wall with his hands in his pockets, looking amused.
I leaped off the bed and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the bathroom, where I clapped my hands at the sight of an oversized claw-foot tub. A sliding door caught my attention next and I opened it, walking out and gasping.
“An outdoor shower!” I said. The area was enclosed by stone walls for privacy, but open to the darkening sky.
Kaidan stood in the doorway. “I’m having flashbacks of the sixteen-year-old girl I took on a road trip who got excited over every little thing.”
I blushed and he stepped out onto the stones, cupping my cheek and then sliding his hand into my hair. “It’s adorable, luv,” he whispered. And then he kissed me.
My heart started pounding as his lips moved against mine. For the first time ever we wouldn’t have to be careful or hold back, and it sent a nervous jolt to my core. I didn’t know what to do. I knew how he made me feel, like we could never be close enough, but I didn’t know how to channel those instincts.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I shook my head, feeling foolish. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Anna?” He stayed close, not taking his hands off me.
“Hm?”
“Have you ever felt as if you were fumbling around awkwardly when we’re together?”
“Um . . .” I thought about it. “I guess not.”
“Exactly. Some things come naturally, so don’t overthink it. I’m going to take care of you.”
Oh, my. Major chills.
“But,” I whispered, “I want to take care of you, too. You have to show me what to do.”
His smile was wickedly sexy. “I’m not as hard to please as you might imagine. But don’t worry—I’ll show you anything you want.”
I swallowed a dry lump in my throat.
“Also . . .” He cleared his throat and sounded serious now. “Two days ago when Father told me he was sending me to seek you out . . . I went to the doctor first. Just in case anything were to happen with us—not that I thought it would, but I just wanted to be sure.”
“Oh,” I said as it dawned on me and I thought of Marna. “To make sure you’re really . . .”