Page 53 of Love in the Darkness

I’d never felt so treasured, so worshiped. He listened and studied every opinion of mine. He looked for ways to help me, but usually backed off if I wanted to solve an issue on my own. He was the light in my life that I’d never known I needed. I felt like a princess, and he was my entire kingdom.

My eyes were healing well, likely in part due to his constant attention, and always putting my health first. We went for long sunset walks, had smoothies for breakfast, and fell into a beautiful rhythm together. Our lives came together so perfectly that there was absolutely no doubt that we were meant to be.

I tried to think of something I could possibly do for him that would show him how I felt. How he has changed me for the better, and healed more of me than my eyes.

Liam likely didn’t even remember our silly discussion a few weeks ago about the perfect shade of tan, and my jokingly holding color chips up to his face. He accepted my tiny lie when I told him I was going out to get my nails done this afternoon as a special treat.

When I came home, I sat beside him on the couch. “Let’s see,” he grinned, looking at my bare nails. He raised his eyebrow suspiciously. “I think your salon did a lousy job.”

“I went somewhere else instead.” He turned to me, seeming amused by the way I couldn’t stop smiling. “I need you to understand that beauty is everywhere,” I said softly. “And I see the beauty in what people are.”

Liam cocked his head. “Are you talking about my scar?” He reached out to take my hand. “Honestly, I’m so relieved that it doesn’t bother you. I was so scared.” He chuckled. “Terrified, to be honest.”

“I know. And I wanted to show you how important you are to me. All of you.”

I unbuttoned my shirt, and he grinned. “I like where this is going.” Then he saw the bandage and his eyes went wide.

“Don’t freak out, I’m not hurt,” I said quickly. As I peeled the tape back, I winced, giving a little laughing squeal. It reminded me for a second of the bandages I wore during the week we fell in love. “I found a clear photo, and used your artist. Rachel matched the exact shade of your tanned face.”

Pulling the cotton pad away, I said, “It’s fresh, so it looks darker than it will in a few weeks. It’s going to be very subtle, just a light brown streak, more like a birthmark.”

His mouth fell open as he stared at a replica of his scar – a jagged line, a space, and a longer jagged line, right across my heart at the exact same angle.

Liam looked from the new tattoo to my eyes, back and forth, unable to take it in. “Why... what does this mean to you?”

I took his hands, which were shaking. “I love all of you. I need you. And you’re part of my heart forever.”

Liam shook his head. “Damn, Kayla. I’d been starting to price out diamond rings, but this just... There’s no way that I can think of something more romantic than that.” He flashed me the most adorable grin. “I know it’s not a contest, but baby, you just won.”

Leaning in to kiss his cheek, I looked up at him. “Every time you take care of me, it’s the most romantic thing in the world.”

Suddenly I was in the air, his arms around me, as I was being carried to the bedroom. “I need you naked, now,” he growled, nuzzling my ear, then locking eyes with me.

Our deep gaze was always a bolt of electricity, bonding us together. But now he could truly understand that this wasn’t just a relationship to me. He was my everything.

EPILOGUE #2

* Liam *

*** Two Years Later ***

When your sexy wife says that she wants to do something extra special for your first wedding anniversary, you say yes. Even without knowing what she’s talking about.

I went out to pick up some groceries for dinner, and also picked up champagne and chocolates, figuring that a little special dessert was in order. When I walked into the condo, dropping the bags on the kitchen counter, I saw a little arrow on the floor made with pink tape.

“I wonder where this leads?” I called out, walking forward until I saw another pink arrow once I passed the kitchen counter. There was another one pointing into the bedroom, as if I didn’t know exactly where Kayla was waiting.

I kicked off my boots, and entered the room to see my gorgeous wife lying across our bed, propped up on a couple of pillows. Her pale skin was luminous in the candlelight.

She was beautifully naked, wearing only an orange ribbon tied loosely in a bow around her neck, with another around her thigh like a garter.

“Happy anniversary,” she purred.

I pulled off my shirt, staring at her as intently as she was staring at me. It was incredible that our crazy desire for one another had not diminished in the slightest.

I dropped my pants and shorts, sitting on the edge of the bed near her feet. Lifting her foot gently by the ankle, I pressed a kiss to her instep.

“Happy anniversary, little one,” I said. “Does this mean I get my favorite dinner tonight?”

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