Page 48

Finn

O ne year and twelve days later:

The plane touches down in Los Angeles California, and I can hardly contain my excitement.

A year ago, I never would have imagined that Wyatt and I would be here, married and on our honeymoon.

As we step off the plane, the warm, warm air envelops us, a stark contrast to the bitter winter we left behind in Angel Falls.

I wonder if people in Alaska even realize what they’re missing out on here in the lower continental forty-eight.

We navigate through the airport, our hands intertwined, our matching wedding bands glinting in the fluorescent lights. It still feels surreal sometimes, looking down and seeing that ring on my finger, knowing it symbolizes a lifetime commitment to the man I love.

Wyatt squeezes my hand, and I look over at him, his eyes sparkling with the same excitement I feel. “Ready for paradise?” he asks, his smile contagious.

“More than ready,” I reply, leaning in to steal a quick kiss.

We grab our bags and make our way to the car rental desk.

The process is quick, and soon we’re on the road, the bright and dry landscape of Los Angeles unfolding before us.

It’s breathtaking, to see the massive skyscrapers, all walled and reflective glass, and I feel a sense of wonder settling over me.

This is exactly what we needed—a break from everything, a chance to just be together and enjoy each other’s company.

We promised each other we’d have no talk of business.

The Wildwood is in good hands with Miranda and Doris as they watch over the place in our absence.

We even promised them before we left that they were next on the docket for a vacation, hopefully somewhere warm and fun.

The squeal they both emitted told me they were well overdue for a long, relaxing, vacation as well.

We finally arrive at the resort, a stunning place nestled right on Huntington Beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is like a soothing background melody. As we check in, the receptionist hands us our keys and points us in the direction of our room.

On our way there, we run into a tall, muscular man in a police uniform, although it’s not for the same city the hotel is located. His name badge reads “Diego Sanz.” His uniform indicates Los Angeles Police Department, LAPD. He gives us a friendly nod, his dark eyes sharp and alert.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bump into you guys. Are you staying here?” he says, his voice deep and steady.

“No worries,” Wyatt says. “We sure are, hoping to have a nice relaxing honeymoon.”

Diego smiles. “Aww, I love hearing that.”

“Everything okay, here?” I ask. “You’re in uniform and I’m a bit jumpy these days.”

He looks down and smiles. “Nope, I am just here visiting a friend before work. Nothing at all to worry about, I can assure you.”

“Great,” Wyatt says. “That’s a relief.”

“Are either of you familiar with the area?” Diego asks.

“Not really,” I say. “I’ve been here a decade ago, but I don’t remember what we did and didn’t do if I’m being honest.”

“I can suggest a really cool Museum up in Los Angeles. It’s called the Paige Museum.”

“Never heard of it,” Wyatt says.

“It’s better known as the La Brea Tar Pits.”

“Oh,” I say. “I’ve heard about that. Isn’t that were all the really cool bones of extinct animals are buried?”

“Yes,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed going there ever since I was a kid.”

“We’ll have to check it out,” Wyatt says. “Thank you, Officer.”

Diego’s face blushes. “It’s so beautiful there, even the building itself. I know it’s a bit of a drive, but if you have time, I highly recommend it.”

We exchange a look, happy for his suggestion. “Thanks,” I say, feeling a warmth in my chest. “We will.”

As we walk away, I glance back and see Diego watching us, a thoughtful expression on his handsome face.

There’s something about him that piques my curiosity, but I push it aside for now.

Police Officer for a huge metropolitan area with more people than the entire state of Alaska was fucking impressive.

“I’m sure he has seen a lot of shit in his line of work,” I say.

Wyatt nods as we continue toward our room.

I wonder what he would have thought about our experiences last year when we were attacked?

How we fought back? He’d be proud that we didn’t try to hide what we’d done.

After the sheriff saw the men he had no real choice but to call the FBI.

There was at least six months of an investigation, but most of it was done without us being privy to the details and we simply went about living our own lives.

For that, I’m sure dad would have been proud.

But, if I’m being on honest with myself, I fear that something could still happen.

Some bad guys still could show up on our property, looking for rights to the minerals on our land.

Could the government come and take them from us?

Imminent domain, and all that shit? I shaky head as I feel a shiver of stress take hold.

Swallowing my rising anxiety, I push all my questions and curiosity aside. This trip is about Wyatt and me.

Our room is beautiful, with a balcony that offers a perfect view of the ocean. We unpack quickly, eager to start our honeymoon. We change into lighter clothes, and Wyatt grabs my hand, pulling me out to the balcony.

“Can you believe we’re finally here?” he says, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

I lean back against him, sighing contentedly. “It’s perfect. Just like you.”

He chuckles, and we stand there for a moment, soaking in the beauty of the place.

People playing volleyball on the beach, flying kites, and surfing.

So much life and fun here. Eventually, we head down to the beach, walking hand in hand along the shoreline.

The sand is warm beneath our feet, and the water is a beautiful shade of blue.

We spend the day exploring the resort, enjoying the pools, the beach, and each other’s company. Every moment feels like a dream, and I can’t stop smiling. That evening, we have a romantic dinner looking out upon the beach, the sound of the waves providing the perfect soundtrack to our meal.

As we finish dessert, Wyatt takes my hand across the table. “I love you, Finn. More than anything.”

I squeeze his hand, my heart full. “I love you too, Wyatt. I’m so glad I found my forever.”

We walk back to our room, the stars shining brightly overhead.

As we pass by the lobby, we see families with kids, laughing and playing.

Everyone seems really happy. Not that Alaska is depressing, but this time of year the sun isn’t out as much as we need.

Here, I’d better be careful to use sunscreen.

The thought makes me chuckle to myself as Wyatt tightens his loving grip on my hand.

Back in our room, we collapse onto the bed, exhausted but happy. Wyatt snuggles close, his head resting on my chest. “This is just the beginning,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.

“Yeah,” I agree, kissing the top of his head. “And I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

As I hear Wyatt begin to drift off to sleep, I think about the unexpected encounters and the adventures that lie ahead. Maybe my father was on to something, writing in a journal. I’d packed one on a whim and figured I’d probably not even try.

But why not?

I slide out of bed, careful not to wake my dear husband and reach for my bag.

Pulling out my journal, I take the pen from the hotel nightstand and open to the first page.

Then I close it again. Who do I write to?

I have no children. But there’s something driving me to follow in my father’s footsteps, to leave something behind for my future children—something that will let them know how much they’re loved, even before they exist.

I imagine a little boy or girl, their eyes wide with curiosity, their laugh filling our home.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as they’re healthy and happy.

I want to create a bond, a connection that nothing can ever strain or break.

I want them to feel the love and security that Wyatt and I have fought so hard to build.

Carefully, I open my journal, the pages blank and waiting. With a deep breath, I begin to write my first entry to our future child.

Hello, Little One,

I don’t know when you’ll come into our lives, but I already love you more than words can say. Your dad, Wyatt, and I have dreamed about you for a long time. We’ve fought many battles, faced many challenges, but every step has brought us closer to you.

Right now, we’re in California, celebrating our honeymoon.

It’s a beautiful place, full of warmth and life, just like I hope our home will be for you.

I want you to know that no matter what happens, you will always be loved.

We’ll always be here for you, to support you, to guide you, and to make sure you know just how special you are.

I promise to be the best father I can be, to listen, to understand, and to always have your back. Your other dad, Wyatt, is amazing. He’s strong, kind, and loves with his whole heart. Together, we’re going to make sure you have the best life possible.

I can’t wait to meet you, to hold you in my arms, and to watch you grow. We’ll have so many adventures, so many happy moments. You’ll be surrounded by love, every single day.

Until then, know that you are already in our hearts, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our lives.

With all my love,

Dad (Finn)

I close the journal, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. This is the beginning of something beautiful, a new chapter in our lives. I glance at Wyatt, who stirs slightly, a smile playing on his lips even in sleep. Our future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

THE END