Page 106 of Embers in Our Souls
“Well, yeah. My ovaries might be relieved to hear that.” She returns her cheek back down on my chest.
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes. “I’ve always liked the name Jonas.”
“Um, veto,” she says almost immediately.
“Why?” I protest.
“Indiana and Jonas? Think about it.” A long silence stretches out.
“Let me spell it out for you. It’s too close to our names being linked to Indiana Jones—no thanks. Again, veto.”
I look at her for an extra moment then start laughing. “Okay. I hadn’t thought about it, but yeah, I guess that wouldn’t be good.”
She keeps staring at me, not amused. “Imagine River with those names together. We’d never hear the end of it. No thanks.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Okay, okay.” I run my hands down her naked back.
She’s almost asleep when I speak again.
“Indiana?”
“Yeah?”
“Happy anniversary, baby,” I tell her.
She looks over at the clock, realizing that today marks the day that we got married eleven years ago. It’s sort of serendipitous Noah was born so close to our wedding anniversary. This tiny little family of ours coming together, making our hearts whole again, something neither of us could have seen coming after years being apart.
“Happy anniversary, Tyler.” She pulls my body closer to her, sealing my lips to hers.
“If I’ve done one thing right in my life, it was being at that dam all those years ago. Maybe things haven’t always aligned in many ways, but in that moment, they sure as hell did. I love you so damn much. Thank you for taking me back.” I kiss her again, softly. We’re savoring each other as we lay here together.
So many little moments brought us together, yet also broke us apart. I’m forever grateful those fractures of life found a way to heal themselves because I would be missing this beauty in life.
I’m working outside of Indiana’s townhouse. It’s got a great view, so it makes for a perfect backdrop. Noah’s at the neighbor’s house and Indy’s still at work. She should be home soon, but I thought with sunset approaching I would record some content on a livestream today.
I’m finishing up when I catch some movement from my side. I look over and see Indy walking in. She knows the drill by now when I’m filming content and stays on the sidelines. She’s never shown her face in any of my videos. The only one she’s been in she had her helmet on.
“Hey, everyone. I thought today was as good as any to introduce you to someone special.”
I see Indy’s eyes go wide. She probably thinks I’m going to out our marriage to the world, but I’d never do that without her consent. We had the conversation off camera regarding if I ever wanted to introduce her. This is just me showing the world that I’m taken by the most beautiful girl in the world.
“You see, my heart has been captured by a certain someone. I think everyone probably knows by my last video that someone remarkable has come into my life. Well, I wanted you to officially meet her.” I reach my hand out for Indiana to grab it. She shakes her head, smiling shyly.
She knew I was going to do something more official for my followers, but probably never fully thought through the reality of being shown on camera.
“Come on, baby. Say “Hi” to everyone. They want to see your beautiful face,” I encourage her.
Indiana finally relents, coming into view for everyone to see. The moment she does, her smile is shy and her face is red like a tomato.
“Isn’t she just gorgeous? This is the love of my life, everyone!” I kiss her cheek. “It’s official. I’m off the market—well, forever.” I look at her and she looks stunned.
I bring her lips to mine, my body sweaty and she doesn’t seem to care.
I see hearts and comments moving along the screen, then I end the live stream.
“I can’t believe you just did that.” She doesn’t look mad, just shocked.
“Well, it needed to be done. I didn’t tell them we’re married, but I don’t want anyone thinking they should shoot their shot.” I give her a quirked brow, then kiss her shoulder. “How was work?”
