Page 137 of The Locksmith's Promise

Then cupped my face in his hands and dipped his head.

Voice gruff, he proclaimed his truth. “Wife, I belong to you and you alone.”

I nodded, my throat tight as I met his eyes.

Then he leaned in and, pressing his sweet mouth to mine, he sealed his promise.

Drawing back, he wiped my tears away with his thumbs.

And his smile lit up every corner of the ancient church.

“You and me, Mags.”

“You and me,” I choked.

He swallowed and nodded with determination. “You and me against the world.”

32

Epilogue: Locksmith

Maggie

The morning sun shone through a crack in the curtains and hit me right in the face.

Loathe to leave my warm cocoon, I snuggled deeper into Baxter’s embrace. With Corwin and Jeff at my parents’ place, we had the place to ourselves.

“Good morning, wife,” he murmured.

“What time is it?” I grumbled, latching onto his arm when he moved to turn over to check the clock. This pregnancy had turned me from a morning person into a morning troll. “Never mind. It’s not important.”

His chuckle, deep and easy, warmed me like nothing else could.

Though there were still moments I lost him to the past, his laughter rang out freely and often.

“There’s something I want to show you,” he murmured in my ear.

I snorted. “I’m not falling for that trick.”

His chest vibrated with his laughter. “We’ll play show and suck later. Get ready, Mags. We’re going out.”

I frowned. “So, no morning sexy times?”

“As much as it pains me, no. The sun is shining. It’s a perfect day to show you.” Tearing himself from my arms, he slapped me on the rump and said, “I’ll make your breakfast. And it’s nine o’clock.”

I sprang up. “Nine o’clock? The day’s half over!”

By 9:45, Baxter drove me and my basketball-shaped tummy up the long driveway to our lot.

“Keep your eyes closed,” he murmured.

“I am,” I assured him. “We’re still breaking ground this week?”

“We are,” he confirmed. “But that’s not why we’re here.”

He stopped the truck. “I’m coming around to your side. Keep your eyes closed.”

I huffed. “I am!”

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