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18

Traeger

W e wind up the mountain, and the closer we get to home, the happier I feel. It’s different this time. It’s no longer my escape from the past. It’s no longer my hiding place from the world and all the evil and corruption. It’s the place where I’m going to build my future with the love of my life. It’s going to be where I raise my kids. I can picture it now. Tarryn sitting on the front porch, our baby in her arms as she rocks them to sleep. It’s the most breathtaking view on the mountain.

“What are you smiling about?”

I glance over, squeezing her fingers tighter. “I’m gonna marry you one day.”

Now she’s the one smiling.

“Is that so?”

“It certainly is. And we’re going to have the most amazing life.”

One I never imagined was possible.

“Well, one day I’ll say yes.”

I take the final turn up to the cabin, and a different image comes to mind. Her in a white dress, the sun setting in the background, and a whispered “I do” echoing on the wind.