“She’ll be herding us like cattle if we don’t get a move on,” I said.
“Don’t I know it.”
I leant closer and pressed a kiss to his mouth. His fingers were in my hair, stroking my scalp and making me sigh. Letting me go, he picked up his tablet and rose to his feet.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today, little wisp?”
I shook my head. He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand.
“You grow more beautiful every single day in my eyes. Happy birthday, my love.”
“Happy birthday, sir.”
He gave me one last longing look, then he walked away towards the table where May was busy telling Prescott and Francis where the dishes should go. Absolutely no surprises there. May always liked to take control of a situation, no matter what was happening.
West curled both of his arms around me and leant his chin on my shoulder.
“Look at our family,” he murmured, watching Drake join the others as Rosie and Jasper came out of the house, followed by her three dogs, all wagging their tails.
“They’re quite something. The best family we could have chosen.”
“They kind of chose us.”
I laughed. Eliza, Jasper, Rosie and May were like parents to me and West since neither of us had our own any longer. Our found family was all we needed.
“I don’t think May would let us get away with not paying her regular visits. Drake would get lectured for hours.”
“He might be a pain in the arse, he doesn’t deserve that.”
“No one deserves a May Ackley lecture.”
He nudged me with his chin, letting go of my waist so I could get to my feet. I put my hand out and pulled him up with me. West looked down at me with a grin and his amber eyes full of affection.
“Especially not you. All you deserve is the world.”
I reached up and touched his cheek.
“I have the world right here with you and the others.”
He leant down and kissed me, making me melt against him. I’d loved this man since I was five. There was no question he made me feel like I had the world when he was by my side.
“Happy birthday, my little warrior,” he whispered when he pulled back. “Owner of my heart.”
His fingers traced a line across the scars on my chest. I sighed and reached up, touching the scars I’d given him over his t-shirt.
“Happy birthday, soulmate and love of my life. Now, come on, let’s go celebrate with the others, hey?”
I took his hand and pulled him towards the table. Right then is when I knew nothing in this world would ever tear me away from the people I loved. We’d stuck together through thick and thin, fought so many battles, and now, life was peaceful. Just how we’d wanted it to be all along.
I looked back at West, taking in each and every one of his beautiful features. He smiled and made my heart swell at the sight of it.
“As my little Scar wishes.”
THE END