Cherished (Wanted 4)

The smell of bacon was calling me into the kitchen even though I was running late this morning. I needed to go help Gunner with a few fence repairs, and then we were going to head into town for a few errands.

When I rounded the corner, I couldn’t help but smile at what I saw. Luke and Ari were both dancing to Keith Urban’s “Even the Stars Fall for You.” Grace was busy eating, and she couldn’t have cared less about what Ari and Luke were doing. The second Grace saw me, she smiled and held out her arms for me. I walked up and took her out of the high chair. Then, I began dancing with her to the music. Grace started laughing, and Ari rolled her eyes.

“Oh, sure. For you, she drops her food and gets into it. For me and Luke, she ignores us for Cheerios.”

I laughed as I leaned over and kissed Ari. I bent down and got a big hug and kiss from Luke.

“I love ya, Daddy!” Luke yelled over the music.

“I love you, too, buddy.”

After the song was over, Ari turned off the music and helped Luke up into his seat. I put Grace back in her high chair, and she wasted no time in shoveling the little Os into her mouth.

“Where in the hell does that girl get her appetite?” I asked with a chuckle.

Ari shrugged her shoulders. “Beats me. Your mom said Ellie used to eat the same way up until she was about two.”

I grabbed the orange juice out of the refrigerator and started pouring Luke, Ari, and me a glass each. I glanced over at Ari scrambling eggs and humming.

“Ari, are you happy?” I asked her as I set the orange juice down.

She stopped everything and turned to look at me. At first, her face was serious, but then she gave me that smile that I’d do anything for.

“I’ve never been so happy in my entire life. Are you happy?” she asked with a wink.

I walked over to her and pulled her close to me. I placed my hand on the side of her face and gently brushed my thumb back and forth over her soft skin.

“I’m so happy I could burst with joy, baby. I swear, every morning I wake up, I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe this is my life. You amaze me, do you know that? The fact that you finished school online with two kids while helping me with our business and Ellie with the cattle business and spending time with my mother and father…I’m just in awe of you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life waking you up in the middle of the night to make love to you. When I’m near you, Ari, I feel like I’m walking on a cloud. Your love is amazing. You are amazing.”

She smiled bigger, and I saw tears building in her eyes. I thought back to that day when she’d come to me as I’d sat against the oak tree.

“Jeff…” she whispered.

I kissed the tear from her cheek, and then I leaned down and kissed her lips. Our kiss quickly turned from sweet and innocent to passionate and full of need. More than anything, I wanted to make love to her right then and there.

When we finally broke away from each other, she gave me the sweetest smile.

“I love you so much, and the way you make me feel…I…” The tears rolled down her face, and she quickly wiped them away. “You make me feel so loved, Jeff, so very loved and needed, and I would never want to spend a single day in this life without you.”

I brushed my lips against hers and whispered, “Arianna…thank you, baby, so much for loving me and for giving me two of the most precious gifts I could have asked for. Thank you for saving me.”

I stood outside and watched Jeff drive off toward Gunner and Ellie’s place. My stomach was still quivering from what Jeff had said to me this morning. I touched my lips with my fingertips and smiled. He said I’d saved him, but he’d saved me.

I glanced down at Luke, who was attempting to help Grace walk. I chuckled as I bent down and brought them both in for a hug.

“Do you want to take a nap, y’

all?” I asked.

Luke made a face and quickly shook his head. “Too old for naps, Mommy,” Luke said.

I pulled my head back and gave him a shocked look. “A person is never too old for a nap, son.”

I picked up Grace and looked toward the driveway. Ellie was pulling up. I grabbed a hold of Luke. He was ready to bolt out to greet Ellie, and I was sure he was hoping Alex was with her.

Ellie jumped out of the truck and smiled as I let Luke run up to her.

“Mellie!” he screamed. “Alwex?”