Page 50 of Alpha Geek

“We’re in Denali,” she said, turning to her husband.

He nodded, holding her hand steady and firm.

“We are back home, Amelia,” he spoke softly. “I thought that we could say goodbye to your father properly, together, so you can find your passion for climbing again.”

It was the way that he read her needs on themes that she feared broaching inside herself that made her fall for him, all over again. She pulled him in close as they both wept, grief mixed with joy and relief.

Her leopard was restless being home as it, too, had spent so long running from one side of her. She needed to heal, and this was the best way to do it.

They made themselves at home in a luxurious chalet before heading out to Denali immediately. Amelia felt a little anxious about going back to the place where her father had died, but when they arrived upon the embankment where it happened, a new sense of purpose washed over her like a summer’s rain.

Tripp held her hand as they stood looking over the edge, their gloved hands eternally entangled. She thought she was only going to remember the violence of the end, but instead, the beauty of all the memories of her life in Alaska as a child, along with all of the other memories of riveting climbs, flooded her.

She felt it in her body, and she began to cry. Tripp held her in a way that was welcoming rather than smothering. She cried until she couldn’t cry anymore.

“I didn't realize that when I left here,” Amelia said, sniffling, “I was leaving behind all of the good stuff too.”

Tripp wiped her cheeks with his thumbs, then kissed each one slowly and tenderly. She felt like she could finally breathe again.

“I know you love climbing, my love,” he said. “I didn’t want you to miss out on the chances of a lifetime that are going to come our way. I knew that you would be strong enough to realize that your father wants you to climb and to go on living.”

Amelia didn’t think she could be any more in love with the man of her dreams. But near the peak of that mountain, just before sunset, she fell even deeper, allowing herself to go, free-flowing, into his endless love.

She buried her nose into his neck, engulfing herself in him. She told him she loved him more than anyone.

“I know,” he said soothingly, rubbing her back. “You are truly incandescent, Amelia.”

They climb down before the stunning landscape became blanketed in darkness. But instead of returning to the chalet, Tripp drove in the opposite direction through the blowing snow.

Amelia scoffed and gave her husband a light slap on the arm.

“Tripp!” she implored. “Not another secret!”

She had wrinkled her nose at him, playfully scornful. She actually enjoyed his willingness to surprise her. It had yet to fail, and it added a flair of excitement to nearly every interaction and adventure.

He did it back, mimicking her scoffing and blowing up of her bangs in an uncanny impression, and they both began to laugh. It made her belly hurt in the most loving way.

“One more, I swear,” he whispered, wiping his eyes from the long chuckle.

Amelia gazed out the window like a child on Christmas morning. They drove for only forty-five minutes before coming upon what looked to Amelia like a grandiose and glowing mansion, likely a winery or another hotel chalet. Her heart began rattling in her chest when Tripp pulled into the driveway. Every light in the house was turned on and twinkling like fireflies.

He turned off the ignition, and they sat in silence. Amelia grew impatient and slapped his arm playfully once more.

“Cough it up, mister,” she quipped.

“Welcome home.”

Amelia looked at the house, then back at Tripp, then back at the house, then back at Tripp again. Her mouth gaped as her body seized with excitement.

“Youmustbe joking this time!” she bellowed.

Tripp shook his head, smiling ear to ear, and unbuckled her seat belt before unbuckling his own. He leaned over her body, his handsome face a mere inch from her own. She bit her lip without realizing it.

“I really wish I could give you everything in the world, Amelia,” he mused. “But I do know that what Icangive you is a life full of pleasure, relaxation, and adventure. I also want to give you a sense of home wherever we are.”

He lifted his hand and pointed at the house. Amelia felt a waterfall of tears rising in her chest.

“I bought this house for us so you can see your family whenever you want to. And so you can build your relationship with climbing again. I want that for you and for us more than anything.”

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