She must have dozed off, because she awoke sometime later to Mason’s fingers curling around hers, and her heart raced. “Mason? Oh, Mason! I love you! Can you hear me, Mason?”
His eyes opened slowly, and “Princess” came out scratchy and full of relief. “Thank God you’re safe.”
“Because of you.” She cried happy tears. “Thank goodness you’re okay. I love you, Mason. I was so scared.”
“Don’t be afraid. I told you I’d always keep you safe.”
“I wasn’t afraid for me. I was afraid I’d lose you.”
“I’m the best, remember?” he said groggily, flashing a half-cocked grin, drawing even more of her tears. “It’d take a lot more than a couple of bullets to keep me from you.”
She pressed her lips to his, her tears slipping between them like bittersweet secrets.
“I love you, Princess, and I’m never letting you go.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
AFTER SEVERAL DAYS of camping out in the hospital and nearly three weeks of taking it easy, Mason was beyond ready to stop being treated like he was convalescing. The truth was, he’d been ready to stop being pampered the moment he’d woken up to find Remi lying in his hospital bed, safe and sound. They’d stayed in the cabin in Auburn Grove during his recovery, away from prying eyes and the media. Porter, Krista and Brooklyn, Chuck and Estelle, the Daltons, and their other friends had come to visit. Last week Bodhi and Bridgette had their baby, a beautiful little girl they named Emerson. Although Mason and Remi hadn’t seen her in person yet, they’d FaceTimed, and both melted at the sight of their tiny little blessing. Even Flossie had come to visit with Ben and Aurelia, and she’d brought enough food to last a lifetime. Several friends had offered to stay and help, but Remi continued to be her strong, brave self, refusing any help at all. She had taken phenomenal care of him, seeing to his every need, even the naughty ones, which had taken some creativity given the location of his injuries.
He looked across the room at Remi and Aiden standing by the tree Porter and Merrick had brought from the fortress with all of Remi’s ornaments. Aiden had been giving them space, staying at the fortress and visiting rather than staying with them at the cabin. He’d been overwhelmed when he’d seen the tree. Aiden said he’d always known that Remi made ornaments when she was stressed, but that Mason had thought to display them for her had touched him deeply. In a strange way, Mason thought that might have been even more of an indicator to Aiden of Mason’s love for his sister than anything else had been.
Aiden and Remi were laughing as they gathered the paper lanterns in preparation for their goodbye ceremony. It was five thirty in the morning, and they were heading up to the trail shortly. Remi had asked Aiden to join them, hoping it would help him move forward, too. Mason was glad the two of them were finding a new normal, building a relationship with boundaries, which was hard for both of them. He and Aiden were also building a new relationship. Mason knew it was difficult for Aiden to fully let go of his role as Remi’s sole protector, and he respected that. It wasn’t every day a young man of twenty-four gave up his freedom to raise his younger sister, and Aiden had done a hell of a job. Remi was a remarkable woman.
Remi blew Mason a kiss. Her oversized rust sweater hung past her wrists and covered the top of her black leggings. She called it her cuddle-up sweater. He’d discovered she had many cuddle-up sweaters, as almost every night when they lit a fire in the fireplace, she’d declare, Look! I’m wearing my favorite cuddle-up sweater! You know what that means! She was a different person now that there were no threats to evade or reasons to hide their relationship. She’d become even more loving, funnier, and more relaxed.
Their relationship had only recently stopped taking up the headlines, and they were both overwhelmed by the outpouring of well-wishes on social media, get-well cards, and gifts that had been sent to Remi’s publicist for them. While their relationship wasn’t taking up as much landscape in the tabloids, the stalker situation continued to persist in the headlines. Ken had been sentenced to two years in jail, and Carl was looking at many more, given the severity of his crimes. The police had interrogated Carl’s wife, Samantha, and they were convinced she had no idea what Carl had been up to or the hatred he’d harbored toward Remi. Remi was inclined to believe her. They were all shocked when Carl wrote a letter of apology to Remi. It had taken her two weeks to get up the nerve to read it. He’d professed his love for his wife and his sorrow for what he’d done to Remi, but no words could make up for the pain he’d caused. She’d burned the letter in the fireplace and said, “There are no take-backs. I only hope Samantha and Timmy can escape from under his dark shadow.”
“Ready, Romeo?” Aiden asked with a smirk.
“Always.” Mason helped Remi with her coat before putting on his own.
“You know, the fortress is still up for sale,” Aiden said. “Have you thought more about buying it?”
“Actually, I think we want to find someplace of our own,” Remi said as they headed outside, into the brisk dawn air.
After the ceremony, Mason and Remi were going to the city for two weeks, to stay at his loft, spend time with Chuck and Estelle, see a show or two, and get things underway for their foster-care project. Parker had been wonderful, continuing to make arrangements for the birthday boxes and the first birthday bash, which they had decided to hold in Harmony Pointe right after New Year’s.
“You could buy it,” Mason suggested to Aiden. “Finally put some roots down.”
“I have a feeling Remi might want a little more space than that,” Aiden said as Mason locked the door.
Remi reached for Mason’s hand and said, “I’m cool with you living nearby, Aiden. Besides, then I can play matchmaker. You haven’t met Krista yet.”
Mason chuckled as they headed up the trail. His chest constricted with memories of the last time they’d taken that particular walk, and as he’d had to do several times when they’d first come back to the cabin, he pushed those thoughts down deep.
Remi leaned closer with a loving look in her beautiful eyes and said, “Breathe, hottieguard. Just breathe.”
Remi knew just what was going through Mason’s head, because the memories of that terrible afternoon when their worlds were turned inside out were weighing on her, too. She was determined not to allow what had happened to them to steal her joy of being at the cabin, or her hope for the ceremony to help them all move forward.
Pushing those thoughts away was a struggle, but she was with the two most important people in her life, and they were getting ready to start their new lives together and separately. With Mason and Aiden by her side, she knew anything was possible, including moving past the horrid memories.
They stepped into the clearing, and the breathtaking view of the sun rising in the distance, spreading flares of bright reds and oranges over the mountains, drew a moment of silence among them—as if the universe was telling them to pause, take a breath, and enjoy the moment.
“Wow,” Aiden said. “It’s been years.”
Remi knew he almost never went up there. “That’s what makes it so perfect.”
Aiden handed her a lantern, with the expression she knew so well, the one that pulled his brows up just a little and brought tension lines around his mouth. It was the look of her brother trying to appear more relaxed than he felt. No matter what Aiden went through, he never failed to look distinguished, and today was no different. His dark-brown hair was brushed away from his face, and his tan cashmere turtleneck and suede coat made him look like he’d walked off the pages of GQ.
“How do we do this?” Aiden asked as he handed Mason a lantern. “Is there an order to who goes first?”
“We thought we’d each say something and then release our lantern,” Mason said. He’d let his scruff grow out the last few weeks, though he kept it neatly trimmed. The short beard gave him an even tougher look. In his black cable-knit sweater and coat, he looked deliciously rugged. “But we can do it however you’d like. I’m not su
re there’s a right or wrong with something like this.”
They both looked at Remi as if she had the answers. It was a first for Aiden to turn to her for help, and she knew how hard it was for him not to take control and dole out directions.
“How about if we just take turns,” she suggested. “Who wants to go first?”
Aiden looked at Mason, who looked at Remi. She said, “I’d kind of like to go last, if that’s okay?”
“I’ll go first,” Mason offered. He lit his lantern and held it up, his jaw clenching a few times before he said, “To my brothers-in-arms, I have endless respect, honor, and love for you. To my mother.” His muscles in his jaw bunched again. “I know you tried, and I appreciate that. I wish things could have been different, but everything I’ve been through, and everyone I’ve lost, has led me to this moment and to Remi. For that I can only be grateful. Rest in peace.”
He released his lantern, and Remi put her arms around him. He held her tight, kissing her head as he often did when his mind was far away.
“I guess it’s my turn?” Aiden said.
“Is that okay?” Remi asked. Aiden had never been comfortable showing emotions, and she had no idea what to expect. She hoped for his sake he could say whatever would set him free.
“Yes. I’d like to do this,” Aiden said. “I’m glad you included me.”
He lit the lantern and held it up toward the sky, inhaling deeply. “Mom, Dad, you made me the man I am, and not a day goes by when I don’t hear your voices and see your faces. I would give anything to go back in time to that night and ask you to meet me someplace other than at home.”
Remi’s heart broke. She’d never known Aiden blamed himself. She let go of Mason and put her arm around her brother. “It’s not your fault,” she said through tears.
She wasn’t sure he heard her, because he didn’t even look over. He just continued talking to their parents.
“I hope I’ve made you proud,” Aiden said solemnly. “I love you, and I don’t know how to say goodbye, so I hope you’re waiting for me when my number comes up.”
He released the lantern, and then his arm circled Remi, and she wrapped both of hers around him, holding him tight. “The accident wasn’t your fault,” she cried. “We were going home anyway. It was the deer, not you, Aiden.”
“Thanks.” He stepped back, his glassy eyes shifting away from her as he said, “It’s your turn, Remi.”
How could she say goodbye to her parents when she was so heartbroken over Aiden?
“Remi?” Mason put a hand on her lower back.
“I know.” She looked at Aiden and said, “Tell me you don’t blame yourself, Aiden. Not for all these years.”
Aiden shrugged one shoulder. In all her life she’d never seen him shrug. Aiden was a very clear communicator. There was no gray area in his answers, only black and white. He cleared his throat and said, “I know it’s not my fault, Remi, but guilt is hard to erase.”
“Will you try? For me?” She knew he’d do anything for her, and she hoped he would agree to do this if not for himself, then for her. “Talk to someone about it? Do something so I know you have a chance to let go of it at some point?”
“I can recommend a good therapist. Krista saw her when she lost her husband,” Mason said.
Aiden swallowed hard, lowered his eyes for a beat, and when he finally met her gaze, she saw as much love as anguish as he said, “Sure, okay.”
Remi hugged him. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. Mom and Dad wouldn’t want you suffering when none of it was your fault and you’ve done so much for me.”
“Okay,” Aiden said. “Now, how about we let you say your goodbyes and get off the Aiden truth train?”
She half laughed, half cried, feeling a little better knowing he would talk to someone.
Mason lit her lantern, and she held it up, looking at the sky, her chest tight and achy. “I’ve thought a lot about what I want to say and how to say goodbye, but a wise man told me there are no do-overs, so instead of saying goodbye, I want to say thank you.” Tears flooded for the hundredth time in as many days as she said, “Thank you for loving me and showing me what true love looked like. Thank you for raising Aiden to be the man he is. Without him, I would be so lost. Daddy, thank you for the stories and for supporting my dreams and keeping our lives real. Mom, I’m still making ornaments, and I know you had a hand in Aiden finding Mason, because I’m his Princess, too. Thank you for him.”
She paused to try to regain control of her emotions.
Mason put his arm around her, kissed the top of her head, and said, “Just breathe, Princess.”
His support gave her strength. She steeled herself against her tears and said, “I love you both, and I miss you every day, but I know you’re smiling down on all of us, just like we’re smiling up at you. And, Mom, I know if you were here, you’d be pushing Aiden to find love, too, so don’t worry—I’m on it.”
Aiden made a strangled sound, and she glanced over and saw tears sliding down his cheeks.
“Help me with this?” she asked Aiden, and he stepped closer, putting one hand on the lantern. She turned to Mason. “You too? Please?” Mason put his hand beside hers on the lantern, and she said, “On the count of three? One. I love you all. Two. When this lantern flies, it’ll take the hurt and guilt of not saying goodbye with it. Three.”
They let go, and Remi called out, “I love you, Mom and Dad!”
As the sun kissed the sky and the lanterns floated away, their glimmering flames turning to flickering specks in the distance, Remi took hold of Mason’s and Aiden’s hands.
“Here’s to the start of our new family. I love you guys so much.”
“This was a good idea, Remi. Thank you,” Aiden said. “But I need a minute alone. I’m going to head back to the cabin. You two take your time.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Remi asked.
“Yeah, better than okay. I think you’re right. It’s time I talked to someone.”
She watched Aiden walk down the path and said to Mason, “Do you think he’s okay?”
“Yes,” he assured her. “Everyone handles grief differently. I’ve talked a lot with Aiden these past few weeks. I know the changes between you two are hard for him, but they were necessary. They opened old wounds for Aiden, but he’s trying to deal with them.”
“You guys must have really talked to know that much.”
“It’s not like females have a monopoly on deep discussions. Besides, Aiden and I had other things to talk about, too.”
“Really?”
“Oh yes. Important things.” He dropped to one knee and pulled a jewelry box from his coat pocket.
Her heart skipped. “Mason! What are you doing?”
“Hopefully starting our new family.” He opened the box, and a gorgeous diamond ring shimmered in the sunlight.
“Oh my gosh, Mason!” Her pulse sprinted so fast she could barely breathe.
His lips curved up and he said, “My beautiful Remi, I never knew love until I met you. I’m not even sure I believed in it. But you changed that. When I was shot, as my vision blurred and everything faded to black, my only thoughts were of you. I want a life with you, Remi, a full life, raising our children to be strong little girls and boys, and helping foster kids have special birthdays, and who knows what else the future will hold. But I want it, whatever it is, with you.”
She couldn’t stop nodding. “I want that, too. And maybe we can foster a child and give them everything you never had?”
He rose to his feet with tears in his eyes and said, “Yes. God yes. Remington Aldridge, Princess, will you marry me? Let me be the man you deserve for the rest of our lives? I promise to—”
“Yes!” She launched herself into his arms and kissed him. “I love you, Mason! Yes, yes, yes!”
He laughed between kisses. “You didn’t hear my promise.”
“I don’t have to. I don’t need promises. I just need you.”
“God I love y
ou.”
He slid the most gorgeous diamond ring she’d ever seen on her finger, and as he lowered his lips to hers, Aiden came out of the woods, aiming his phone at them with a big grin on his face.
“I thought you went to the . . . Wait. You knew he was proposing?”
Mason and Aiden shared a conspiratorial glance.
“Is this how it is now? Two against one?” she teased, bubbling over with happiness that Mason had shared such a special moment with Aiden.
“You don’t think I could ask for your hand in marriage before first talking with Aiden, do you?” Mason asked.
“You did?” She looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. “Aiden?”
Aiden winked and said, “Congratulations, little sister. You’ve got one hell of a future husband here. Now, let’s give the press a winning engagement-kiss photo.”
“We might need to take a few to get it right,” she said, her arms circling Mason’s neck. Their mouths came together with the swift softness of a never-ending breeze, lifting her right up to the clouds.
“Nice one,” Aiden said.
“I love you, Princess,” Mason whispered against her lips. “Today, tomorrow, and forevermore.”
She pulled him in for another kiss and couldn’t imagine ever letting go.
EPILOGUE
REMI SMOOTHED THE last bit of frosting on the birthday cake and pushed the candles, numbers three and five, securely in place. It was Mason’s birthday, and she’d gotten up before dawn to decorate their new house and make his cake. Nahla, their two-year-old golden retriever rescue, brushed against Remi’s leg, wagging her tail. Remi had decorated Nahla, too, with a big blue ribbon around her neck. Mason had surprised Remi with Nahla for Christmas right after they’d gone to the Christmas tree lighting in the center of town with Krista and Brooklyn. Nahla was the most loving dog Remi had ever known, and she was great with children and other dogs. Bridgette and Bodhi came over often to let Louie love her up, and of course they brought Nahla’s bestie, Dahlia. The two dogs loved to chase each other around the yard, and Remi couldn’t get enough of their sweet baby girl, Emerson.
This is Love Page 30