Chapter Twenty-Three

Saylor

Turns out, you really can have it all when your fiancé is Ciaran Jakobe. He was surprised when I told him I’d never let go of our date and reservation for the wedding. That shock soon melted into another few orgasms shared between us when he realized I really had meant it when I said I was never letting him go. All those times I went to see him, trying to convince him that I loved him still. When he realized that I had already made up my mind to beg for his forgiveness at the hospital , he apologized so profusely we ended up staying the night in my little tent on the ridge. Neither of us were able to separate from the other. I slept the best I had in months, nothing could disturb the cocoon of happiness I was in.

When we finally rejoin our family and friends, and share the news, my mom’s face is in absolute shock for about one second before she starts roping me into planning a wedding in two months. With my mom, Lux, and Oaklynn’s help, and Ciaran’s determination, we are back on track for a wedding in one month. Everything falls into place as if it was always meant to happen this way. Our desserts are picked out, I find the perfect dress, and decorations easily. I don’t really care as long as I am finally marrying the love of my life. The man who hasn’t left my side since he got back.

After his abrupt departure, Ghost Operatives continued on with the original plan. Rogue continues to help when we can, offering manpower and resources. Things are still rocky, and will be until they find the Chemist, but we aren’t needed there right now. Rogue continues on as always, and even with our wedding a month away, I continue to greet new targets and help them adapt to a secret life here.

“Saylor!” Ciaran calls, stopping inside my door. I glance up and my neck twinges slightly. His smile drops and he’s at my side, fingers cool on the back of my neck.

“This is all your fault you know,” I remind him again, my hands on my hips.

His icy eyes darken. “I couldn’t find you, Saylor.”

“I know,” I huff, “It’s just very inconvenient when I can’t turn my head.”

The previous tracker had to come out now that it was useless, and I discovered the little secret of how Ciaran was able to get it in there in the first place. Since one was removed and another was put it, I was also given a shot of antibiotics to help make sure I didn’t get an infection. My neck is still sore almost a week later.

Ciaran’s eyes soften, and he wraps his arms around me. “I’m sorry. Do you want some numbing cream?”

“No” I shake my head and step out of his embrace, then remember the excited look on his face a few minutes ago. “Why are you here? What happened?”

His eyes light up again and a mischievous smirk plays on his lips. “I need to take you somewhere. Can we leave now?”

I glance around and tuck my laptop away. “I’m free. Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he leans in and caresses my lips with his, gently. When he pulls back he’s still smiling. I take his hand and he leads me out to his truck. We drive through town, taking in the start of the holiday decorations and lights going up in town. Ciaran holds my hand in his lap, while practically bouncing in his seat with excitement. We drive out of town and head north. Once he turns to the gravel road leading to my hiking trail I get confused.

“It’s a little cold to hike today, babe,” I laugh and watch his smile get bigger.

Ciaran won’t spill the secret, and he keeps me guessing the whole way until we reach the path to the clearing. I slide out of the truck and he once again takes me by the hand, leading me to my favorite spot.

“I talked to Matt about this property. Turns out it used to be private before the family moved. There was never a formal sale and it’s just been sitting because it hasn’t been advertised. Its technically not in town limits, but it does not fall in the limits of the neighboring town either,” He glances back at me.

“Okay,” my head tilts to the side, confused about where this is going. Ciaran pulls me in front of him, his arms wrapping around my waist.

“Look out there,” He tells me. My eyes scan the scenery I fell in love with. The glittering lights from the town, the river nearby, and the glassiness of the lake further in the background.

“Now imagine, looking at this view every morning, holding a cup of coffee, while our kids get ready for school. I’m thinking full, floor to ceiling windows in this room, the living room. And I’ll be making pancakes in the kitchen behind you.”

My heart squeezes. I turn to him. “Ci.”

“This land is ours, Saylor. After you said it, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Getting married up here wasn’t enough, I want to build our dream house here. One we want, and one that combines our efforts. Together.”

My eyes tingle with unshed tears and a ball of emotion gets caught in my throat. “Really?”

He nods, turning my body in his arms. His fingers grip my chin, and our eyes collide. “The Jakobe house.”

“It sounds so perfect,” I breathe out, loving the ways his words wrap around my heart.

“That’s not all,” He hands me a packet.

I take it from him and open it. Pamphlets and maps fill the inside. “What is it?”

“Our new direction for Rogue. We need to think bigger. Expand. The town is outgrowing the population and we can’t stay inconspicuous if we don’t change with the times. We’re buying the rest of the land and using it for recreational sport and lodging. An extra legitimate job that will bring in revenue for this house, and for Rogue.”

“Ciaran—”

“I didn’t want you to feel bad about the cost. You’re already letting me use my savings for our wedding. I wanted a legitimate business to help. I know you have your savings too. I think we can do it with all of this.”

Pure happiness and love for this man fills every part of me. “What about the auto shop?”

“Matt and your dad are going to continue to run it. Silas, Kai and I will run this area up here. Si is the most excited I think. It feels like the cabin we used to have.”

“When can we build?” I ask, wrapping my arms around him.

“As soon as the ground thaws in the spring. By next summer our house will be done. It’s a good thing we are keeping your townhouse for a few months,” He answers, his arms tightening around me

“This is all working out almost too perfectly,” My brow rises and my eyes widen.

Ciaran’s head tips back with a laugh, my body shaking along with his. “Say, we’ve lost almost a year of time being together. I almost lost you through sheer stupidity. Do you think I’m going to leave things up to chance? You deserve perfection.”

“I don’t need Perfection, Ciaran. I just need us.” I remind him, my hands grabbing his face.

Our gazes meet and the love and adoration I feel in his eyes makes my knees weak. This is what I fight for. This future, him and me. Together we can have everything.