Page 91 of Heartstrings & Horizons
“Ok,” I say, the words coming out a little breathless. He places a sweet kiss on my forehead, stepping back and opening the door for me to climb into the truck, leaving me hot and bothered.
Only when I’m securely belted does he close the door and retreat to his side. As he pulls the car out of the parking lot, he lays his hand palm up on my thigh, signaling for me to lace my fingers with his.
I missed this.
It wasn’t just the big things I thought about while I was away; not the grand gestures or the sex, although I did frequently think aboutthat.It was the forehead kisses, and the longing glances; the way his fingers would tangle with mine under the diner table, or the way his eyes could always find me in a crowded room.
His scent surrounded me as soon as I stepped into the truck; leather and sandalwood, just like the hoodie I brought with me when I left. By the end of the trip, it didn’t smell like him anymore and it broke my heart. Now I was once again surrounded by him, and it felt like comfort.Home.
The 2 hour drive back to the cabin is torture. With every mile closer to home, it takes all of my willpower not to tell Cade to pull over so I can climb him like a tree. When we finally pull upto the cabin, the sun is setting over the lake and a rush of joy washes over me. I take Cade’s hand all but dragging him through the side gate towards the dock. When we get to the end, I stare off at the horizon and allow a tear to fall. Cade gently wraps his arms around me from behind and rests his chin on my shoulder, inhaling my scent, then places a kiss behind my ear.
“I’m so happy to be home,” I murmur.
“You have no idea,” he breathes. “It was like waking up every day without a limb.”
“Well, I think I havesomeidea,” I say playfully.
“Come on, I have a surprise for you.” Cade takes my hand and guides me in through the patio doors off the deck. I stare at his back, a puzzled expression on my face.
“I’ve already seen your dick, babe,” I prod. I have no idea what surprise he has in store for me, but it feels good to get back to our playful banter.
“Keep saying things like that and you won’t get to see your surprise.”
He brings us to a stop outside his office door. When I left, it was full of boxes stacked neatly in the corner with a barren desk taking up most of the room. He said he wanted to turn it into something else since he didn’t really have a use for an office at the time.
“Close your eyes, Sunshine.”
I do as I’m told, trying my best not to peek, though the curiosity is tempting me.Just one little…
“Close your eyes, Paige, or I’ll take you over my knee.”
I grumble under my breath, “that’s not the threat you think it is.”
With an exaggerated eye roll, I give him a look of exasperation before closing my eyes tightly and dramatically covering my face with one hand. I hear the door creak open as Cade tugs on my free hand to follow, and I’m a little worried I mighttrip. As though reading my mind, he releases my hand to stand behind me and places his hands on either side of my hips, guiding me into the space.
“Ok, open your eyes.”
My eyes flutter open, and I can’t help but let out an audible gasp of surprise. The room has been transformed into a whimsical oasis. Sage green shelves line the walls, filled with so many of my favorite books. There’s a beautiful wood sliding ladder straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Twinkle lights are delicately woven along the ceiling and shelves, casting a warm, ethereal glow around the room. In the center of the far wall, nestled into the bay window, is a cozy bench seat adorned with plush cushions overlooking the lake beyond.
Tears well in my eyes as I take in every detail. The smell of fresh paint permeating the air, as a soft mewl sounds from below. Goose has wandered into the room, purring at my feet before sauntering over to the bench seat and curling up in the window.
“Looks like he’s made himself right at home here.”
Cade watches my reaction with a mixture of pride and nervousness.
“You did all of this for me?” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. He nods, stepping forward to wrap his arms around me.
“I wanted you to have a sanctuary here, in our home. A place that’s all yours. Not a hand-me-down from my past — the past that was empty before you.”
He pulls back slightly, his eyes full of love. I kiss him, pouring all of my gratitude and longing into the kiss. When we finally break apart, I take his hand and lead him to the bench seat. Goose pops his little head up, assessing his intruders, ultimately deciding that we aren’t a threat. As I lay my head on his shoulder, my gaze catches on something over by the door. “Is that…” I open my mouth to speak but the wordsdon’t come. Goose hops down from the bench, leaving us alone in the room before I lift myself out of my spot on the bench and walk over to the wall beside the door.
“Cade. When did you… how?” The tears are clouding my vision now because there, hanging on the wall inmylibrary, is a hand painted scene from our wedding. A replica of the photograph in my mom’s scrapbook, only moments later; a breath before the kiss. Cade's hand is gently cupping my cheek, our gazes locked as the sun sets over the lake.
“Ivy painted it. She put the finishing touches on it last night and I left the key so she could deliver it before you got home.”
“Cade, this is incredible. Thank you. I don’t even know what to say.”
“I love you, Paige.”
