Page 38

CHAPTER 38

Max

O ne year later.

No one seems to understand our desire to go there. "Why not the beach?" they ask. It’s November, and Alaska will be absolutely freezing this time of year. But after spending the last year in hot, dense city locations where car exhaust has completely replaced oxygen, the last place I want to be is around a bunch of people fighting for the perfect place on the sand. I’m still a tad bit traumatized from my experiences last year, but being with Ben… my new husband, has made all the difference in the world. He gets me. I get him. And we seem to have been made for each other.

The wedding had gone off without a hitch. There were no surprises. No serial killers making an appearance. London was my best person and cried throughout the entire ceremony, just like a best friend should. If I’m being honest, I think she cried even more than I did. It’s really sweet. I love her so much, and it’s hard to leave her behind. But I don’t think Ben and I will be doing much other than hanging out in our lodge, in bed or the hot tub, once we get there.

The pilot announces we’re making our final descent into the airport, and we have to return our tables and seats to their upright and locked positions. The plane jostles as we hit the cloud layer, and I squeeze Ben’s hand. He looks over at me and winks.

“You, okay?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“Nothing a stiff drink, a hot soak in the tub, and a sensuous massage from my husband can’t fix,” I reply, smiling. “ Husband . Doesn’t that sound so great?”

He leans over and kisses the top of my head. “The greatest.” Our lips soon touch and mine part allowing him entry. Our kiss lasts less than a few seconds when the flight attendant comes back by and says, “We’ll be landing shortly, please sit back and enjoy the landing.”

My face flushes red, but honestly, I don’t care what she says. I was surely going to enjoy this landing whether Ben’s tongue is in my mouth or not.

It doesn’t take long for the plane to land and for us to gather our things from the overhead bins. It’s the quickest deplaning I’ve ever experienced, probably because there are only a handful of people on the flight to the Arctic this time of year. We step off the plane and are immediately met by the fog of our breath. The mobile jetway isn’t heated, and I shiver.

“Holy crap, it’s cold,” I say, rubbing my arms. “My nipples could cut glass.”

“I put your coat in my carry-on, even though you said you wouldn’t need it. I’ll take it out once we’re inside the terminal,” Ben says, already reaching for the bag.

“You’re too good to me,” I say with a grin. “Thank you for loving me.”

We walk hand in hand up the jetway, dragging our carry-ons behind us. Once we step into the terminal, I pull on my coat, feeling immediately better.

“Do you have our transport guide information?” I ask.

Ben pulls out our itinerary. “After we get our luggage, we need to meet on the north side of the airport where the passenger pickup is.”

We hurry to baggage claim, grab our bags, and rush to the north side of the building. We’re too excited to get our honeymoon underway to care about looking composed. Laughing and jogging toward the exit, we’re more giddy than sophisticated. Standing near the automatic sliding doors is a handsome man in a suit holding a sign that reads: Salgado .

Our chauffeur awaits us. I wave at him, practically bouncing on my heels. “Hi! We’re Max and Ben Salgado.”

The man smiles warmly. “Welcome to Alaska. My name is Finn, and I’ll be taking you to the Angel Falls Bed and Breakfast. I hope your journey was pleasant?”

“It was great! Not much turbulence to speak of,” I say, still feeling the buzz of excitement.

“Wonderful,” Finn replies. “I hope your stay will be as smooth as your flight.”

Ben and I chuckle, following Finn to the waiting car, which is idling nearby with the heat running—thankfully. Once inside, I lean into Ben, and he wraps his arms around me. His warmth is all I need, and soon, I’m nodding off with my head resting on his chest as we ride along scenic backcountry roads.

The car stops, and we get out to take in our surroundings. The lodge is beautiful, like a massive log cabin, with light flickering in the windows as if inviting us inside. It’s like straight out of a Thomas Kincaid painting. Simply, gorgeous and instantly relaxing. It’s already getting darker, even though it’s still early in the day. Up here, the brochure said days are short and the nights long. I don’t mind. As long as I’m next to Ben, I couldn’t care less how long the night is. Feed me, keep me warm and loved, and I’ll be happy.

“This way,” Finn says, leading us toward the lodge.

We follow him closely, and I can’t stop smiling. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. The start of a new life with the man of my dreams. I couldn’t ask for a better ending to one chapter or a more beautiful beginning to the next. This is my happily ever after.

I have finally found my forever!

THE END