I let her go in first. She does the one thing I knew she would. She walks over to the windows and patio doors that open onto a large deck. We are overlooking the loch. Her own little piece of tranquility. I go to her to comfort her because I know she’s crying again. She’s not the only one crying; both of our daughters have decided now would be a good time to interrupt. We both laugh and turn to find Joan and Murphy with the girls still in their car seats.
Joan and Murphy both get a cuddle with the girls before they leave. Libby is taken aback that they’re not staying, but I really wanted today and tonight to be just the four of us. Joan and Murphy are going to the apartment where my parents and Michael are staying. The cottage should be ready for them in another few weeks, along with Ethan’s house. The decorators have just started painting. Joan informs us there is plenty of food in the fridge and our evening meal is all ready just to go in the oven.
Libby gets settled on the couch and feeds Ella first; she was the one making all the noise. I change Ava and sit with her in my arms until Ella has finished feeding, then we swap. This seems too easy. Our day is relaxed and I don’t answer any calls. I do text all our family at Libby’s request, after she spoke with Joan, and tell them they’re all to come to dinner tomorrow.
The girls sleep in their cribs, and we manage to have our dinner. I know that won’t happen very often. I clear away the dishes; Libby wants to help, but I tell her to go and sit down.
I stop at the door and take in her frame. My heart skips a beat as I watch her. I check on the girls before making my way outside to her. She stands with her back to me. I wrap my arms snuggly around her waist, and she leans back into my chest.
“It’s a stunning view, don’t you agree?”
“It is. I never thought it would look this good.” She turns to face me. “I’m so lucky.”
“No, baby. I’m the lucky one.” Just as I’m about to kiss her, Ella cries. We both smile at each other. We walk back inside and Libby picks her up and wraps her in a shawl and hands her to me. She then picks up Ava who is lying awake. I can already tell which one of these beautiful girls is going to cause all the trouble in the months ahead and years to come. Libby wraps Ava in her shawl as well and strolls back outside onto the deck. I follow her out. She stops and breathes in the fresh night air. I have to admit I could get used to this. Who am I kidding? I’m already used to this. I could be anywhere in the world, as long as Libby is by my side, then I’m home.
I wrap my free arm around Libby, holding her close. I glance at my family. Who would’ve thought this was the life that was mapped out for me. She snuggles in closer to me.
“I love this view,” she tells me, and I’m suddenly back on the fifteenth of October last year, when we stood in front of the loch by the hotel.
“I have to say, my view is pretty spectacular.” She smiles remembering the words I said to her back then. I place a small kiss on her lips. “This is my favourite view. What are you thinking, Mrs. Mathews?”
“I’m thinking I’m where I belong. I’m so happy to have all three of you in my life. My life is complete. We are all going to be so happy here. This is home. I’m going to enjoy watching the sunset from here.” Her smile is warm. “We were always destined to be together. I truly believe that. I love you.”
I grin and kiss her again. “We can start with that tonight,” I tell her. “I love you, Libby, more than you could ever imagine.”
“I love you too.”
The End
THE CAPTURED SERIES
He’s Captured my Heart, book 1
He’s Captured my Trust, book 2
He’s Captured my Soul, book 3
Karen Frances is the author of The Captured Series.
She currently lives just outside Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, five children and two dogs. She spends some of her free time trying to keep fit and prepare healthy meals for her family, when their busy schedules allow them all to sit down at meal times together. She loves nothing more than spending time socialising with her closest family and friends, whether that’s a day out or more often than not a BBQ or meal at her home for everyone. After years of running after her three sons to and from football, she finally has some free time in the evenings for herself, which, when she’s not a taxi service for her daughters, she usually spends reading or writing.
Find out more at www.karenfrancesauthor.co.uk or follow on Facebook or Twitter.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 33
