Page 123 of Nate

“I know.”

“How about we go fishing tomorrow? It might make you relax.”

“I’d love that.”

“Okay, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Markie smiled. She knew he would be with her as much as possible. To keep her safe, but she was worried what Jarrett would, or could, do to Nate.

****

Nate lay in bed, his arms wrapped tightly around Markie as she slept peacefully against his chest. The events of the day had left him restless and wide awake, unable to shake off the thoughts of Jarrett out there, lurking somewhere in the darkness. He knew that Jarrett would do whatever it took to get to Markie, and the knowledge gnawed at him, filling him with a mix of anxiety and protectiveness.

As he lay there, staring at the window, he couldn’t help but notice the moon’s beam filtering through the curtains and casting a soft light across the bed. Its glow illuminated Markie’s features, making her look even more beautiful in her slumber.

Nate’s heart swelled with love and worry for her, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could keep her safe and away from Jarrett’s reach. He wanted to protect her, and he knew he would do anything to ensure her safety.

Gently, he brushed a strand of hair off her face and leaned down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. She stirred slightly, nuzzling her face into his chest before settling back into a peaceful sleep. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, only added fuel to Nate’s fierce determination to keep her away from harm.

The following day, they sat on the grassy bank of the serene pond, Nate couldn’t help but notice the big smile on Markie’s face. The sun was shining down on them, casting a warm glow over the water and their faces.

“What are you smiling about?” Nate asked, curious.

“A fish keeps tugging on my line,” Markie replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Are you going to catch it or just tease it all day?” Nate grinned as she laughed. She gasped and Nate looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

“It jumped off my hook,” she said, pointing to the water making small waves.

Nate nodded. He hadn’t had any luck with his own fishing. As they enjoyed the beautiful day, he knew that soon cold air would be arriving and coating Clifton in snow.

He set his pole down on the soft grass, leaned back, covered his face with his hat, and folded his arms behind his head. Contentment washed over him as he took in the peaceful sounds of nature around them.

“You’re not going to fall asleep, are you?” Markie teased.

Nate chuckled. “No, ma’am,” he replied, though he could feel himself getting drowsy. He lifted his hat when he felt Markie sit down beside him. She then laid down, resting her head on his chest.

“I thought you wanted to fish?” Nate murmured softly.

“I’m not really in the mood. I can’t keep my mind off Jarrett,” Markie confessed.

Nate removed his hat and looked at her with concern. “I know. That’s why I didn’t get much sleep last night. Markie, I swear if he hurts you in any way, I will make his life a living hell.”

Markie reached up and gently cupped Nate’s cheek in her hand. “I feel the same way, if he did something to you.”

Nate sat up, taking Markie by surprise as he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately. Slowly pulling away, he gazed into her eyes.

“I’m in love with you, Markie,” he whispered, holding his breath.

“You are?”

“Head over heels, sweetheart.”

“I love you too, Nate. So much.” she replied.

“That makes me very happy, baby.”

“Me too. I think I loved you from the start, but I fought against it.”

---