Page 131 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Trailing kisses up and down my jaw, she holds my face in her hands. Locking eyes with the woman who showed me the true meaning of what love is, she presses her forehead to mine.

"I will keep her safe here," Forest whispers. "The Marked do not die. We live on. We live on well after our soul has left Earth."

Crying freely, I shake my head.

"I was holding you both in my arms. You were both dying-"

"That wasn't the way you deserved to see us go," she sobs. "You deserved to see this. A future where neither of us was a weapon," she gasps. "A future where our girl could run through a flower field and never know what an ash-ridden sky looks like."

Watching her pick flowers, I hold Forest tighter.

"I can't go back without you," I whisper. "I can't go back without her-"

"Kai needs you," she says, pressing her head into my chest. "There are so many who need you, Xavier. There will be a time you can join us here." Wiping my tears with her thumbs, she smiles wide. "Your time is not now."

Grabbing her face, I kiss her with all I have. Kissing her until we both no longer have air in our chests, she lets out a sob.

"I love you, Xavier Evermoore. Even after my last breath, I love you."

Letting out sobs, I stare her down.

"I have never known love like yours, Forest," I whisper. "I love you and our girl more than life itself."

"Then make a better world," Forest whispers. "Do not let these deaths be in vain."

"I found some lilies!" our Lily yelps. "I can find more-"

"Come here, baby," I whisper. "Let me hold you."

Happily skipping our way, she lets us both devour her in a bear hug, squeezing one another until it is painful.

"I love you, sweet girl," I whisper. "You are just as beautiful as your mother."

Smiling at me, she grins.

"I love you, too, Daddy," she smiles. "Momma, can't he stay?"

Shaking her head, Forest sighs.

"No, baby." Tears slip free from her eyes. "Daddy has to go... Why don't you go see if Grandpa needs any help?"

Lingering on the porch of the house, a younger Andrew watches us, a solemn look on his face.

"Okay," she sighs. Wrapping her arms around my neck once again, I hold her tight.

"I love you, Daddy," she whispers. "I'll keep momma safe."

Pressing my lips to the side of her head, my chest is consumed with pain.

"I love you endlessly, baby."

"Go, love." Forest wipes the tears from her eyes. "Grandpa's waving you over."

Running off at her mother's word, she gives us both one last look before jumping into Andrew's arms.

Staring Forest down, she lets me hold her as I stand. Wrapping her legs around my waist, her lips connect with mine once more.

Completely absolved in the moment, nothing could hurt us now.

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