Once Laney came to that conclusion on her own (with the help of her girlfriends back in Bryson City) she only grew to love Axel more.
For being so kind, so selfless, even when in her own grief she’d been selfish with him. It spoke volumes of his character, of his kindness, and of his love for her.
She had no doubt that Axel loved her too, he would have never let her go if he didn’t…
Then, where is he?
The longer he waited to contact her, the more worried she became. She’d spoken to Ashley about calling him, writing a letter, even, but every time she turned her down.
“Focus on you, Laney. You need this time.”
So, that’s what she’d done.
The road she lived off of was deserted, covered in snow, so when she saw headlights pulling into her driveway, Laney covered her forehead with her hand and tried to focus on the driver. She had no idea who would be visiting her at ten o’clock at night, but the gun tucked under her chair made her feel safe regardless of the hour.
“Who could that be?,” She whispered to herself.
She slowly stood from her chair as someone stepped out of the car, leaving the lights on. She couldn’t make out much, but she could tell it was a man.
“Hello?”
She called it a couple more times as they neared her front porch, their large form finally blocking out the lights behind him.
“You look as pretty as this snowfall, baby. How about a kiss to take the edge off from my long ass drive?”
Laney’s mouth fell open as Axel stepped onto the porch, his wide shoulders blocking out the light entirely as he neared her.
A sound that sounded like a whine and a squeal fell from her lips as she launched herself into his arms. He caught her fast, held her so tight she imagined her spine would crack.
“Damn, I missed you. You smell so good,” He murmured into her ear. Her hat fell from her head as she looked up into his eyes and cupped his cheeks with her hands, her eyes filling with tears all over again.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“Who do you think I am? I’ve known you were here the whole time, baby. You needed time. I respected that. But, I think it’s time for you to come home,” He said softly.
Axel brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her mouth tenderly, his lips opening slightly, his tongue seeking hers.
She melted into him; no guard up, no reservations, no hesitations.
That’s how she knew, that he was right.
“I think you’re right,” She agreed.
Axel lifted her into his arms bridal style and opened her front door, his eyes saying all the words his mouth hadn’t spoken yet.
“Did you drive all night?”
He nodded, his lips caressing hers, his hands roving over every inch of her body.
“Sure did.”
“It’s late, why don’t you sit down and rest a minute?”
Axel smiled, glanced at the clock on the wall above the kitchen sink, and leaned in to kiss her again.
“You’re comin’ home with me, and once you do, you’re never leavin’ me again. You understand?”
It felt like they hadn’t been separated at all, like no time had passed between them, and yet, everything felt better at the same time.
“Promise.”
He held out a pinky and Laney smiled, tears streaming down her cheeks as she hooked their hands together.
“Merry Christmas, baby. I hope you know that you’re the best gift I could ever ask for.”
Laney glanced up at the clock, surprised to see he was right.
It was officially Christmas.
With the biggest smile on her face and the most happiness she’d felt all year in her heart, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to press her mouth against his.
“Merry Christmas, Axel…”
The End
Authors Note:
Thank you so much for purchasing my novel and supporting me. I hope you enjoyed the ride, and that you’ll be back to enjoy more of my beloved Seven Deadlies and Lone Rangers men!
Thank you, K. Ewald
Axel_Lone Rangers MC Page 9
