Page 91 of A Touch of Fire

Troy shrugged. “I admit, it’s hard to believe, but I love you. I’ll believe anything you say.”

A laugh escaped her, and the tears spilled over her red cheeks right before she launched herself up toward him in a kiss that lit him aflame.

She pulled back and looked happier than he could remember.

“I love you too.” She giggled and kissed him again. “Let’s get inside before we freeze together.”

“Before we do, I need to say something. I’m sorry about the dating apps and losing control. They’re deleted now—they were just left over. And I should’ve trusted you. It’s hard for me to give up control. I’ve lost so much, you know—”

“It’s okay—”

“No, I mean that. I want you to know I regretted that. I don’t want to hurt you. I’ve been through a lot, and I’m trying to get better. I’m not always perfect. The nightmares…”

“Troy, it’s okay.”

“It’s important for you to know I’m going to try. I don’t want to smother you. I want to love you and protect you, but I know you’re your own woman. You’re brave and strong and I love you.”

The tears were coming down freely now. Troy wiped one away with his thumb, and feeling how cold she was, cradled her cheek in his palm.

Megan sniffed and nodded. “I love you too.”

As the snow swirled around them both, Troy kissed her and let himself fall into the moment of being home and holding the woman he loved.

CHAPTER48

Megan hung the picture and checked it with the level before climbing down from the ladder to admire her work. The framed photograph of the ranch was done by Laura who had recently taken up photography. The purple skies mixed with the golden sun created a striking watercolor-like picture of the barn with the mountains in the background.

Another guest bedroom was done in the soon to open Mountain View Ranch Bed and Breakfast. Two down, three to go, and each had a theme. This one was based on the ranch, with subtle theming using artifacts Troy had found over the years. There was a belt buckle, a few buttons, and several horseshoes. The horseshoes were the basis for the equestrian theme, which she had finished yesterday. She hoped to get to the garden room tomorrow and the library room next week. Troy’s room, as she had taken to calling it, was already done.

With the wall decor done and the new furniture in, all she needed to do was the linens in the en suite bathroom, make the bed, and plug in the lamps.

The past two weeks had been a blur, and she was the happiest she had been in a long time. Troy had gone back to Ft. Campbell to complete some paperwork and move out of his apartment. Megan had flown out to meet him and enjoyed sightseeing around the area. They had taken a weekend in Nashville and just enjoyed being together, taking notes on what to include in their bed and breakfast when they got back home.

Megan had come home after that weekend to keep working at Station Three, monitor progress at the house, and keep an eye on the horses. She also had enrolled in yoga per Buzz’s suggestion, and Ash and Laura had joined in the classes a few times a week. The routine had been centering, and following Troy’s lead, she had started checking in with a counselor every other week to work on herself. All of that meant she was in a much better place when it came to work.

Buzz, Jordan, and the rest of the guys had commented on the change. There was something they couldn’t put their finger on, but she knew what it was. She went and did her best but was no longer looking for happiness from her work. Instead she was making it on her own time and own terms. She was still a work in progress, but the pressure to find joy and success in every moment of her job was gone, and a whole new world had opened up.

Once back home, she had moved into the main house and worked on the guest rooms full time. Troy’s dad had elected to stay in the small house which he had made into a home. Megan still saw him almost every day, usually after she went and checked on the horses. Troy had called every night and texted as much as he could. Even though he was processing out, the army still sucked him in.

Every time he did call or text, it was very clear how badly he wanted to get home. Megan smiled to herself as she replayed some of the more romantic things he had shared while they had texted. She had never felt like this before, and now understood the constant desire to check her phone and wait for him.

But today was the day. Troy was coming home. And he’d be here any minute. They had talked off and on for most of his trip, but toward the end, she had ended the call, giving him a chance to catch up on his latest podcasts—and giving her time to work on his surprise.

Megan wiped up the dust from the drywall off the baseboard under the pictures and threw the rag in a bucket before heading to the bathroom. She folded thick, fluffy, white towels and draped them over the rod and had just laid out a wrapped soap on the new dish when she heard the door open and shut downstairs.

She tried her best to smooth out her hair to no avail. She had wanted to surprise him with some of the rooms finished when he came back and hoped he loved what she had done. Megan dropped the cleaning bucket and tools in another unfinished room and headed down the stairs.

She stopped at the top and saw him down below.

He looked up at her as he stood in the renovated foyer. He had gotten a haircut and some new clothes. His dark hair was trimmed short, and his dark eyes found her as he broke into a smile and ran up the stairs two at a time. They collided in the hallway, his hands enveloping her and crushing her to him while his mouth claimed her own as if he was starved for her.

“Welcome back. Miss me?”

“You bet,” he said, pressing his forehead to her own and closing his eyes for a moment.

“Come and see what I’ve done.” Megan took his hand and led him back to the rooms with a smile.

“Is this just your way of getting me into bed?” he asked with a sly grin. “Because if so, I’m here for it.”

---