Page 20 of Forbidden Bliss
A wide grin spreads across my face. “We’re going to do it right this time.”
She smiles, the love and trust in her expression lighting up my world. “We’re ready, Tristan. Let’s go home.”
Tingling warmth comforts me as I guide Willow and Lana toward the waiting aircraft. The rotor blades of the helicopter cut through the crisp mountain air while the sun reflects off the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Hunter stands a few paces away with his hands buried deep in his pockets, watching us approach. His face is expressionless, but I catch the subtle tension in his jaw and the way his eyes narrow as he tracks every step his sister takes. He’s been their protector for a long time, and now he has to let go, trusting that I’ll step into the role he’s held for years.
Willow reaches him first. They stand still for a beat, as if neither wants to be the first to move. Then, without warning, Hunter pulls her into a fierce embrace. “You’re going to be okay. You’ll be in good hands.”
She nods against his chest, her eyelids squeezed shut. “I know. But I’m going to miss you, Hunter. We both are.”
He pulls back slightly, just enough to look her in the eye. “I’ll miss you too, but this is what’s best. You belong with him, Willow. It’s time.”
She glances over her shoulder at me, and I give her a reassuring nod.
Hunter kneels down and turns his attention to Lana, who’s been clinging to Willow’s leg, wide-eyed and silent. “Come here, kiddo.” He opens his arms, and Lana hesitates for a second before launching herself at him.
Her arms tighten around his neck. “I’m gonna miss you, Uncle Hunter.”
“I’ll miss you too, peanut.” He presses a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close for a long moment. When he finally pulls back, he tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his expression softening. “You take good care of your mom, okay? And be good to your dad, too.”
Lana nods, her eyes shimmering. “I will. I promise.”
Hunter stands up, his gaze meeting mine over the top of Lana’s head. There’s a wealth of meaning in that look. It’s a final, silent exchange between two men who have come to an understanding.
His brows crease. “They’re everything to me.” There’s a raw edge to his voice that cuts through the noise of the chopper. “Look after them.”
I nod, holding my chin higher. “You have my word.”
With a last look at his sister and niece, Hunter steps back, his hands dropping to his sides as he watches them walk toward the helicopter.
Hunter did his part, and now it’s my turn.
Willow sits beside me in the chopper, her hand gripping Lana’s as the aircraft ascends into the clear blue sky. I relax my shoulders, feeling the shift in the air as the mountains fall away beneath us.
Rays of sunlight pour through the window, illuminating the faces of Willow and Lana.
The flight back to Vegas is full of hope, dreams, plans, and laughter. By the time we land on the helipad of my Vegas penthouse, I feel content.
This is where we start over. Together.
I open the door to my home and step aside, the soft click echoing through the spacious penthouse.
Willow gasps, her eyes widening. Her artwork adorns the walls, each piece carefully framed and lit, transforming the space into a personal gallery of her talent.
Tears water her eyes as she takes it all in. “Tristan… it’s beautiful.”
“Like I said, I never stopped thinking about you.” I step closer, taking her hands in mine. “Willow, you and Lana are my world. I’ll spend the rest of my days proving that to you.”
Lana, standing by our side, looks around in wonder, her small hand clutching mine. Her eyes glow as she takes in the familiar paintings. “Mommy, it’s your art! It’s everywhere!”
I kneel to Lana’s level. “Yes, sweetie. It’s all your mommy’s amazing work. I’ve spent years collecting it, and soon, your work will be up here too.”
With Lana’s small hand still in mine, I pull out a diamond ring that shines in the ambient light.
Willow gasps again, her hands flying to her mouth, eyes wide.
I begin, my vocal cords filled with emotion. “Willow, will you marry me?”