Page 170 of Wild Tangled Hearts

As Matthew swings higher and higher, he shouts, “I’m flying, Dad! Just like a superhero!”

I watch with a smile, sitting on a nearby bench with Tristan and Owen in a double stroller. Owen babbles something that sounds like his own version of “superhero,” and Tristan giggles in agreement.

By the time we head home, we’re all exhausted, but it’s a happy exhaustion. We tuck the kids into bed, read them their favorite stories, and give them goodnight kisses.

Finally, Alex and I collapse on the couch, holding hands and sharing a moment of peace. The house is quiet, and it’s just the two of us.

As I rest my head on his chest, I can’t help but think about the choices I could have made, the paths I could have taken. I think about the pivotal moment when I first chose Alex, not just that fateful day at the coffee shop, but every day since then.

I remember our first date, and the warmth in his eyes when he smiled at me across that crowded cafe, the way our conversation flowed effortlessly as we shared stories and dreams. In that moment, I made a choice to give love a chance, to embrace the unknown. And there have been so many choices since then. The choice to trust my heart, to love Alex, to spend my life with him, to start a family.

Together, we’ve chosen to face sleepless nights, messy diaper changes, and endless giggles because we know that every moment is a gift.

“I love you,” Alex whispers, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

As I lay there with Alex, feeling the rise and fall of his chest with each breath, I wouldn’t change any of my choices. Our love, our family, and our adventures are the most precious things in my life, and I am grateful for every single choice that led me to this moment.

Reader’s Choice:

What would you like to do next?

Wrinkles, rocking chairs, and grey hairs. See what a lifetime of love and adventure with Alex looks like. Turn to this page.

End your journey and go to the Afterward. Turn to this page.

Go back to the beginning and start a new journey with Bella. Turn to this page.

Chapter82

Alex

A TRAIL OF LOVE

“This is way better than any Google picture,” I say, breathlessly, as the Appalachian Trail unfolds before us.

Alex chuckles. “I knew you would enjoy it.

The rustling of foliage and twigs beneath our boots is our rhythmic soundtrack as sunlight filters through the canopy, painting the forest floor with patches of golden light. Brimming with the scent of pine and earth, the air is crisp and invigorating. It’s a perfect day, much like the past five years we’ve spent together.

I steal a glance at Alex, his rugged silhouette framed by the natural beauty surrounding us. His hand finds mine, fingers intertwining effortlessly.

“Happy Anniversary, Beautiful,” he says, his voice filled with affection.

I turn to him, a smile lighting up my face. “It seems like only yesterday, but at the same time, it seems like forever.”

“We’re incredibly lucky, aren’t we? To have found each other and to share all these amazing experiences.”

I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I couldn’t agree more.”

We come to a halt; the trail opens up to unveil a breathtaking panoramic view. The mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, an awe-inspiring sight that makes me feel small in the grand scheme of nature’s beauty.

Alex places a hand under my chin and lifts my face to meet his. His lips brush softly against mine. I curl my fingers in his plaid shirt as I allow his mouth to consume me. There’s a tender urgency to his kiss as if he’s trying to convey all the emotions that words alone can’t express. Our mouths connect perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle coming together. A silent promise of forever.

We finally break the kiss, and Alex has a mischievous glint in his gaze like he's keeping a secret that he really wants to share.

“What aren’t you telling me?” I ask, nudging him.

“Is it that obvious?”

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