Looking up, the top of the tent is partially open so I can see the sky. It's so clear tonight. The stars sparkle like gems, and the vast darkness look endless.
Bran slowly climbs up next to me and traces the faint swirls that decorate the fabric of my dress. He moves his finger across the heart-shaped corset, then slips his finger between my breasts.
“So,” he says. “Do I need to know a special trick to get this dress off you? Because I don't even know where to start.”
Giggling, I sit up and point at the back. “Just pull the string.”
Bran unties my dress, helping me out of it. His eyes are so amazing. I love the way he's looking at me right now. It's as if this is the first time he's ever laid eyes on me.
“Wow.” Bran runs his fingers down the outside of my arm. “You're so damn beautiful.”
“You act like this is the first time you're seeing me.”
“It is,” he answers, planting a delicate kiss on my shoulder. “You're not my girlfriend anymore. Today you're my wife.”
My eyes flick between his as his words settle in my chest, smoldering like hot ash. My heart is so full because of him.
And as we make love under the stars by the fire, I realize this is my heaven.
He's everything to me. I don't care where I end up in this world, as long as I have Branson by my side, I'll be happy.
Epilogue
Melody
Nine months later
The birds are loud today, chirping and chattering as I walk the path. My back and ankles are killing me, but I won't give this up for anything. Not for the cold snowy day it is in December or the fact I'm pregnant.
My boots crunch over the thin layer of snow that fell last night, creating a winter wonderland. The trees are glazed in white, and the ground looks untouched. There's a single trail of deer tracks that cross over the path, but that's it.
Rubbing my belly, I stop for a second, trying to stretch my muscles. I'm taking it easy, though. Only going for light hikes near the house, and I always let Bran know exactly which trail I'm taking.
Just in case. This baby is coming any day now. A week ago would have been preferred.
I'm five days overdue. I read in a book about pregnancy that walking can help bring on labor. Unfortunately, it's not working.
“Come on, little lady, I know it's cozy in there, but Mommy and Daddy would really like to hold you.” Talking to the baby girl in my belly, she kicks me hard, possibly hitting a kidney.
I swear she's going to be just as stubborn as me. I can feel it.
Holding my lower back, I keep moving. Bran took the time to clear the paths around our house so I don't have to climb over any fallen trees or get caught in overgrown briers.
Looking between the tree line, I can see the cabin only a few hundred feet away. Smoke is pouring out of the chimney, and I can smell the ash in the air.
Bran is outside chopping wood. He’s grunting like a wild man. His voice echoes around me making me smile instantly. I can see Buttercup sitting in the snow beside him, just relaxing in the snow.
Stopping at the edge of the trees, I watch Bran for a moment. He's bundled up slightly because it's cold, but I can still see his hard muscles bulging under his thermal. Despite the chilly air, his skin glistens with a thin layer of sweat.
That's my man. He's all mine. Biting my bottom lip, I nibble it gently.
Emerging into our backyard, Bran looks up and smiles. “Hey there love, how are my ladies this morning?” Resting on his ax, he wipes the sweat off his forehead.
“I know she's good, she's all warm and cozy in there. But my back is killing me, I'm starving, and I think I need a nap.”
He swings the ax and secures it in the stump at his side. Pulling the gloves off his hands, he throws them down and walks to my side.
“Well, let's get you inside then.” Scooping me up, he starts to carry me toward the house.
“Bran,” I say laughing. “I'm too heavy for this. Just put me down, I'll walk.”
He looks down on me and smirks, carrying me anyway. Despite my protest, I actually love this. I love how he still holds me just like he did the first time we met. Protective, secure, and strong.
These last nine months have been amazing. And our little honeymoon baby will make life even better as soon as she decides she's ready. Who knew you could still get pregnant on birth control?
Bran sets me on the couch, pulling my boots off my feet. Massaging my feet, he moves his fingers up my calves and digs into the muscles.