Page 40 of Summer Redemption

I’m left wondering what next summer will bring into our lives. Because I know from here, life can only continue to get better. I’m looking forward to it.

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

SUNSHINE

Today has sucked. Everything that could have gone wrong did. It reminded me of everything I was afraid of experiencing when I put my mind to becoming a veterinarian. I love animals and today I had to do the one thing I would give anything to never do.

The moment I step inside the house, the house I moved into a little over five months ago, it feels like I can breathe again. I’m expecting noise and a lot of activity since August has been staying with us in the room he lived in when he first came to Limitless. When August is around, Macklin isn’t usually far behind.

With Noel and Delaney having gone to warmer temperatures while they help to get an equine therapy program up and running, we’ve been having a lot more family dinners here to ensure that August doesn’t feel alone or abandoned. The boy isthriving, especially when it comes to school.

He’s made so many friends, which I know Delaney was worried about. Noel and Delaney will be home in time for Thanksgiving and then there isn’t another gig on the horizon as of right now. It’ll be good to have the holidays and enjoy the winter months on the ranch with family.

My parents have even come over for dinner on more than one occasion, and Mom has gotten with Eden about Thanksgiving dinner and taking over my kitchen.

My kitchen.

It’s still strange to think that this house is mine. Everything with Huxley moved fast, but he wasn’t a stranger. I just needed to learn how to forgive a boy who had no idea how to deal with his feelings and the pressure he was putting on his own shoulders while no one noticed.

When I step into the living room, I freeze at the sight in front of me. Huxley is sitting in the middle of the floor with the furniture moved toward the edges of the room to make enough space for the large blanket and picnic he’s set up in front of the fireplace. With the weather getting colder, we’ve taken every opportunity to snuggle in front of the fire.

It seems that tonight is no different. The picnic is new though.

“What’s all this?” My throat is tight with emotion and my voice wobbles with the weight of the day.

Huxley’s dark eyes find mine and a soft smile graces his face. “Wilber called,” he admits softly, “and told me you had a rough day. I wanted to do something nice to get your mind off everything. August is at Eden and Fletcher’s for the night.”

Blame it on the shitty day. Blame it on the sweet gesture. Whatever the reason, I burst into tears.

Hux looks panicked as he stands up and moves closer to me. His hands hover over my body for a moment as if he’s not sure whether he should touch me or not and is afraid to break me. I don’t need him to decide though.

I face plant into his chest and more tears fall as his strong arms wrap around me, enveloping me in warmth. It’s exactly what I need.

“I had to put a dog down today,” I whisper, my words muffled against his chest. “They were really sick and riddled with tumors. There was no way to save him.”

“Fuck,” he breathes out, his hands running up and down my back in soothing motions.

“I hated it, but it would have been so much worse if they continued to be in pain,” the words are hard to get out even though I know they’re true.

“I’m sorry, Little Ray,” he whispers against the crown of my head. “I think it’s amazing that you were able to be there with them and help them die with dignity and without pain. There are not a lot of people in this world who could give them that gift. I know it hurts you and tugs at your soul which is what makes you such an amazing person and veterinarian.”

His words help some of the weight fall off my shoulders from the day. Knowing that he sees me, knowing that he understands me, helps me to feel more like myself even with how hard today was. It won’t be the last time I have to help an animal transition, and he’s helped me to see the power in being at their side through it.

He makes me feel brave.

My arms squeeze his waist, and I murmur, “Thank you.”

The rumble of his laughter against my face has me melting against him completely. “Always, Sunshine. I’ll always be here for you. Good days, bad days, and every day in between. It’s my honor and my deepest pleasure.”

He holds me for a little while longer before he leads me over to the blanket. As we eat dinner, it feels like I’m able to step farther and farther away from the stress and pain of the day. Instead of sadness, laughter wraps around me and makes it feel like the night is a new day.

Once our bellies are full, Hux’s dark eyes find mine. His eyes are sparkling with love, affection, and pride. The way he looks at me makes me feel like nothing bad can touch me.

“I love you, Sunshine.” The smile on my man’s face is so damn bright I almost want to look away. “Marry me.”

I gasp as I stare at him, my jaw dropping. I’m not surprised he didn’t ask, not really, not when we’re talking about Hux. But, still, I’m shocked.

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