Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
“Definitely,” he agrees, giving me a fist bump.
A giggle escapes my lips as I clamber onto his lap, straddling his hips. Our bodies meld together as I press my lips to his. His hands instinctively settle on my bottom, drawing me closer as he deepens the kiss.
Leaning back slightly, I rest my forehead on his, our rapid breaths mingling in the small space between us. “I’m so glad I get to share this with you both, and I can’t wait for you to meet my family,” I whisper, my heart swelling with anticipation.
I have no doubt that helped sway him when it came to making this decision. That it could be time spent to see my family.
“Me too,” he murmurs, his voice a soft caress as he gently brushes a strand of hair away from my face.
Reaching into the pocket of my hoodie, I pull out a small, wrapped present. “This is for you.”
His gaze narrows in mock sternness as he takes the gift from my hand. “I thought we agreed that Disneyland was our present to each other?”
I shrug. “It was supposed to be, but you only let me pay for Poppy’s ticket to the park. So, this is your gift from me.”
I expect a bit of grumbling, but instead, I’m greeted with a sly grin. “Guess it’s a good thing I got you this then.” He retrieves a square-wrapped present from behind him.
“Mike!” I scold playfully, swatting his chest.
He chuckles, unrepentant. “In my defense, I ordered this before we even decided on the trip.”
I find myself intrigued by that response but manage to restrain my excitement. “You open yours first.”
Scooting back slightly, I give him space but remain perched comfortably on his lap.
Carefully, he unwraps the gift, revealing a sleek compass adorned with the RCMP crest and his badge number.
“I met your Sergeant,” I explain with a smile. “Nice fella. Claimed he couldn’t give me your badge number but conveniently left your file on his desk for me to stumble upon.”
He grunts but there’s affection in the sound.
Taking the compass from him, I open it to reveal the delicate inscription inside: Your heart is my guide, and I’ll follow wherever it leads.
“Do you like it?” I ask, his prolonged silence making me nervous.
“Yeah, California,” he replies, his tone gruff. “I love it. Thank you.” He pulls me in for a soul-stirring kiss, his lips conveying more gratitude and love than words ever could.
After a moment, he gently pulls away and gestures for me to open my gift.
With eager anticipation, I unwrap the gift and gasp at the beautiful snow globe that’s revealed. Encased within the glass sphere is a replica of Heart Mountain, enveloped in a swirling flurry of snow and white twinkling lights. I marvel at the intricate scene, laughing through tears at the tiny car crashed into the back of the RCMP SUV. The attention to detail is incredible, even down to the miniature figures of the man and woman, dressed exactly as we were on the day we first met.
My favorite part though is the words inscribed on the base that I once whispered to him: All legends hold fragments of the truth.
Tears tumble down my cheeks as I look up at him through blurry vision. “I thought you didn’t believe in magic?”
“I didn’t.” His hand tenderly brushes away my tears. “Until you.”
My heart swells with an overwhelming rush of love. A sob bubbles up in my throat but before it can escape, he curls that same hand around my neck and pulls me in for a kiss that leaves an everlasting imprint on my soul. His lips a testament to the profound connection we share because of that fateful day, proving that somewhere beyond the legend lies fragments of the truth.
*