Chapter 17

Rachel was in the kitchen making coffee when Jaxon came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She leaned back into his embrace, covering his hands with her own. “Good morning.”

“I was thinking we could take the bike out today, maybe ride up to the lake and have a picnic. If you want to, that is.”

The thought of a romantic getaway with Jaxon. “That sounds perfect.”

His smile widened. “Great. Be ready to go in an hour?”

She nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

He squeezed her waist before stepping back, a new lightness in his eyes. “See you soon then, sweetheart.”

As he walked off, Rachel’s heart swelled. She couldn’t wait to spend the day with the man she loved, strengthening the bond they now shared.

Rachel stood in front of the mirror, admiring the black dress she’d chosen. It accentuated her curves in all the right places, the hem ending mid-thigh to show off her toned legs. She knew Jaxon would appreciate the view.

A knock on the door interrupted her musings. “You ready, darling?” Jaxon’s voice rumbled from the other side.

“Just a minute!” She gave herself a final once-over, satisfied with her appearance, and opened the door.

Jaxon’s eyes darkened as he took her in, pupils dilating with desire. “Damn, you look good enough to eat.”

Heat pooled low in her belly at the hunger in his gaze. She stepped forward and traced a finger down his chest. “Well, I was rather hoping you’d devour me tonight.”

A low growl escaped him as he crushed her to him, lips claiming hers in a searing kiss. His hands roamed over her body, squeezing and caressing, stoking the fire inside her.

When they finally broke apart, chests heaving, Rachel could barely form a coherent thought. “Take me to bed,” she whispered.

Jaxon scooped her into his arms, kicking the door shut behind them. He laid her on the bed and stripped off his clothes with eager hands, gaze locked on her. Rachel shimmied out of her dress, anticipation thrumming through her veins.

Finally, gloriously naked, Jaxon covered her body with his. The solid weight of him was intoxicating. His arousal pressed against the apex of her thighs.

“I love you,” he rasped, voice rough with passion. “So damn much.”

She lifted her hips, wordlessly begging him for more.

With a groan, Jaxon entered her in one smooth thrust. Rachel cried out at the sweet invasion, nails digging into his back. He began to move, slowly at first, then picking up speed as ecstasy mounted inside them.

The world faded away until there was only Jaxon-his hands, his lips, his body joined with hers. Rachel let herself drown in the sensations, in the love and intimacy passing between them.

When release came, it was shattering, leaving them breathless and sated in each other’s arms. Rachel smiled up at Jaxon, utterly content.

“Best picnic ever,” he said with a grin, kissing her.

She laughed. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Rachel nestled against Jaxon’s chest, relishing the warmth and solidness of his body. His arms came around her, holding her close.

A deep peace settled over her, borne of sated passion and profound love. Here, wrapped up with Jaxon, she felt safe and whole-as if she could stay in this moment forever.

“You’re quiet,” Jaxon said after a while, his hand stroking her hair.

“Just thinking.” She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “About how much I love you. How you make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.”

His eyes softened. “You do the same for me, sweetheart. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He kissed her gently. “With you, I can be the man I want to be. The man you deserve.”

She smiled, blinking back tears. “You already are that man, Jaxon. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I’m the lucky one.”

“We’re both lucky,” he said gruffly. “To have found each other. To have this.”

She nodded, throat tight. They had overcome so much to arrive at this place of peace and joy. The scars of their pasts would never fully fade, but together they had healed in ways she hadn’t thought possible.

“I want this forever, Rachel,” Jaxon said softly. “You and me. If you’ll have me.”

Joy bloomed inside her, as radiant as the sunrise. “Yes,” she whispered.

She drew lazy circles on his skin with her fingertips, marveling at how far they had come. At how he had stormed into her life and turned everything upside down, shaking free the constraints of the world she had so carefully built around herself.

At first, it had been overwhelming. Terrifying, even. But Jaxon had been patient, helping her open up to new experiences. Showing her that there was more to life than the predictable routine she clung to.

With him, she had learned to embrace the unknown. To welcome adventure and follow her heart. She had discovered strength and passion she never knew she possessed, and a capacity for love deeper than any ocean.

“You helped me break free. Showed me that it was okay to want more, to reach for it.” Her eyes shone with tears. “You gave me my wings, Jaxon. You taught me how to fly.”

His expression softened. “You always had it in you, sweetheart. I just helped you see what was already there.”

“You did more than that,” she said. “You changed my life. You made me want to live it fully, fearlessly, the way you do. I’m so grateful for you, for us, for the woman I’ve become because of you.”

Jaxon cupped her face, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. “The woman you are is amazing, Rachel. You did that. I just stood by your side while you blossomed.”

“We did it together,” she said. “Like we do everything else.”

“Together,” he echoed, and kissed her with tender promise. The future was theirs to explore, side by side, and she couldn’t wait to see all the wonders it held in store.