He pulls his chin inward. “What’s that?”
“I think I might be getting a little tired,” I admit sheepishly. “But I don’t want everyone to leave. They’re all having so much fun.”
Expecting Kynan to come up with a graceful exit plan, I’m completely stunned when he just pushes off the chair with me in his arms, cradling me like a baby. He turns to the crowd, now all in the kitchen talking and laughing. “Everyone… Joslyn is tired and we’re going to bed. Don’t break anything.”
Everyone shouts out good nights and farewells, and I’m completely mortified he would just leave them all to their own devices while I am the hostess. Kynan starts walking me to my bedroom, so I call over his shoulder to my guests, “Help yourself to anything. You should all take a guest room. There are extra blankets and pillows in the linen closet. Have fun.”
In my bedroom, Kynan could not be more caring or gentle in his ministrations. While I would really kill for a shower or bath, I’m frankly too tired and there’s no easy way to do it without having to remove all of my bandages. I settle for him removing my clothes and helping me into one of his T-shirts. He strips down to his boxer briefs, then settles into the bed beside me. While I’m tired and exhausted, I’m also slightly exhilarated to be alive.
I’m deliriously happy to be cuddled next to this man who not only literally saved my life, but also rejuvenated my entire soul merely by coming back into my world.
Kynan sits up against the headboard, and I move closer into his side. He puts a big arm around me and holds me gently, twisting to plant a tender kiss on my forehead.
“Big day, huh?” he asks.
I snort in response. “The biggest.
Kynan shrugs. “I don’t know. I bet we could outdo it.”
“How could we possibly outdo today?”
Another shrug from him. “Disneyland? Paris? Rome? Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head.”
I giggle in response. “I love Disneyland. Let’s go. Once I’m back up on my feet, anyway. I mean that both metaphorically and physically.”
Kynan chuckles. We fall silent, the gravity of the day starting to push down upon us.
After several moments, Kynan’s voice comes across the quiet. “When I got your text, Jos… I literally thought my life was over. When I realized he had you—it was the darkest moment I’ve ever had in my entire existence.”
I push up so I can look at him. “I’m sorry. I was so stupid.”
He shakes his head, placing his finger on my lips. “No apologies. No recriminations. I only told you so you’d know how much I love you. You are the only reason for my existence, Joslyn. If you are not in my life, I don’t exist. It’s that simple.”
The tears well up in my eyes because that is without a doubt the most loving, genuine, and reaffirming thing I’ve ever heard. The fact it came from Kynan’s lips makes it all the more special. “I love you so much, Kynan. You know you’re the one who helped me escape.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “How’s that?”
“I had a dream while I was tied to that chair. I must’ve fallen asleep because of the drugs he’d given me. And in that dream, you and I were married and had children. We lived in a beautiful, rustic cabin on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. You came home from work, and I was so excited to see you. I just knew my life was complete. I asked you to do something for me. Something ridiculous. Changing an air filter I couldn’t reach. And you know what you told me?”
Kynan doesn’t say anything but shakes his head, completely drawn in by my story.
“You told me I could do it myself. That I didn’t need you to figure it out. When I woke up, I realized even though I knew you were coming for me, I had the power and the ability to do something to help myself in the meantime. So that’s when I started working on the ropes, struggling to get free. You gave me that power and confidence. Without you coming back into my life, that just wouldn’t have happened.”
Kynan dips his head to press his mouth against mine. When he pulls back, he says, “We’ve been given another shot, kitten. And I certainly don’t know what your plans are, but I totally intend to take it.”
“I think I’m ready to take it, too.” Smiling, I give him what I hope is everything he desires. “You’re my life now, Kynan, and I was thinking I could use a break from the West Coast. If you’ll have me, I would like to get this party rolling. I’d like to go back to Pittsburgh with you.”