Page 130 of Love Me Fearless

“It does.”

“Take care, Hutchins.”

“You too.” We end the call just as Ava finishes at the gift shop register, her gaze lifting to mine. I hurry over and pull her close.

She sighs into me. “Is it over?”

Gently, I stroke her hair. “Yeah. He won’t hurt anyone ever again.”

Ava releases a full breath. “You want to check out the bike rental shop? I guess they offer some amazing tours. Or maybe we could choose a hike?”

That she’s shifting her focus from this heavy news to something good brings on another wave of gratitude. I couldn’t be more proud of her.

My brave girl.“How about both?” I say with a chuckle.

She smiles up at me, her eyes so clear and bright. “Maybe a little downtime in between?” Her grin turns sultry, which makes me laugh.

“You’re in charge, Greely.” I nuzzle against her ear. “Until you beg me to take over.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

AUGUST, ONE YEAR LATER

I wake cradledagainst Hutch’s chest with sunlight filling the cabin. He caresses my arm, his touch gentle, unhurried. I snuggle closer to him, gratitude welling up inside me.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Hutch says, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I caress across his chest to his shoulder and release a happy sigh. “Been awake long?”

“I’m too excited to sleep.” He pulls me on top of him, sending little sparks dancing over my skin. He sweeps my hair to one side and strokes down my back. His erection thickens against my belly. Even though he kept me up half the night, renewed desire is stirring in my core.

I prop my chin on my fist. His face has that morning stubble that makes him look every bit the cowboy hunk I fell for so long ago. “No cold feet?”

His eyes turn fierce with so much love. He caresses my cheek. “I cannot wait to marry you.”

My heart flutters into my throat. Waiting for him has been like an endurance test, full of challenges, but we’ve made it. There weremoments where I wanted him home so badly I didn’t think I could stand another day, but then he’d call me or one of his letters would arrive, and the burden wouldn’t feel so impossible.

“I love you.”

His eyes still. “I love you so much. I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle.”

“I’m pretty excited to see you waiting there for me.”

He rolls us over and kisses me softly. “We’ve only got an hour until they’re gonna whisk you away. Think we can make good use of that time?”

My pulse thumps lower in my core and a sweet ache washes through me. I caress down his chest to where he’s thick and hard. “I’m counting on it, Hutchins.”

Kirilee snatchesup a tissue and dabs her eyes. “You’re so gorgeous.”

Sofie fans her face, blinking away tears. “You’re going to ruin my makeup.”

I pluck the tissue hidden in my cleavage and dot the corners of my eyes. “Stop, both of you, or I won’t be able to leave this cabin.”

“Okay, okay,” Sofie says, huffing a quick breath, her soft blue eyes so bright. “But first, we got you a little something.”

“You guys have already done so much,” I say, giving them both a pleading glance. From planning the fun bachelorette party in Coeur d’Alene, complete with trail rides and dancing and a luxurious afternoon at the spa while Zach and Sawyer pulled Dad duty, to helping me with wedding details and being there for me during Hutch’s final missions when I worried myself sick, I couldn’t have made it to this day without them.

Sofie slips a small package from her bag. “It’s your big day, you’re getting gifts!”

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