Then he lifts me into his arms like I weigh nothing.
“Rune—”
“Bed,” he says simply.
I don’t argue because I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
TEN
Rune
Five Years Later…
“Happy anniversary, man!”Camden says as soon as I answer his call.
“Thanks, Cam.”
“You have big plans for tonight?”
I grin as I think about my plans for my little shortcake and me tonight.“Yeah, Rowan and Heath are babysitting for us, and I’m taking Jem out for dinner.”
“Well, have fun, buddy.I’ve got to get back to work, but let’s grab a beer this week.”
“Sounds good.Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
We hang up, and I finish up with the last file, then push to my feet.Time to head home to my girls.
My little cabin has changed over the years.It used to be quiet and clean, almost sterile.Now there’s color everywhere, laughter or music in every room.Toys are scattered all over the place most days, and drawings are taped to the walls.
All because an angel approached me in the grocery store and asked me to be her fake-date at a wedding.Fern and Jackson’s wedding was an amazing occasion and a fantastic day—second only to Jem agreeing to be my wife and the birth of our two precious daughters.
I pull up out front and laugh when I see Abigail and Selena drawing with sidewalk chalk on the front walkway.They look just like their mom with their strawberry-blonde hair and big green eyes.
They both jump up, beaming as they race over to my truck.“Daddy!Daddy!”
I chuckle as I hop out and pick them up in my arms.“I missed you two,” I tell them, kissing each of their cheeks as I carry them up the front porch steps and inside.
“We missed you too!”Selena says.
“We made you something!”Abigail adds.
“Yeah!Close your eyes!”Selena commands.
I do as she says, though I keep them cracked so I can see where I’m going as I walk into the living room.
“Are we giving Daddy his surprise now?”Jem asks.
“Yeah!”both girls cry.
I laugh.“Can I open my eyes now?”
“No, just a second,” Jem says.
Both girls wiggle in my arms, and I crouch, setting them back on their feet.I hear them run into the kitchen.They return a minute later, giggling loudly.
“Okay, now look!”Abigail says.