Samson trots beside us, nudges my free hand to get me to play, so I reach into my pocket and pull out the tennis ball I brought and throw it hard for him to fetch.
I feel Cora shift, her head tilt back so she's looking up at me with the most mischievous grin. "You weren't hoping for a little outdoor action, were you?"
If only.
"Perhaps another night, if you approve, but for now I just wanted to enjoy a walk with my love, and watch my first real sunset with you on your birthday."
Cora smiles so bright it's blinding, then reaches up, grabs my goatee as always, and pulls me toward her for a kiss.
A kiss that makes me consider her words far more seriously than before.
There is no time for that though, not when we are so close I can hear the increase in noise volume our clan is creating without even realizing it.
We walk a while longer and a thought occurs to me.
"What would you think about building a new home out here?"
I can hear her smile. "All the way out here?"
"Yes."
"Is it still Dragovihk land?"
"Yes. I'm actually quite sure Kai purchased this portion of the mountain range."
Cora giggles. "So we'd still be close to our family but further out than our cabin now, totally surrounded by the beautiful scenery and serene quiet?"
"Yes, my angel. It would be the best of both worlds."
"And you're thinking we should build in the valley?"
I wasn't until now.
And I love that idea.
"Why not?"
"Won't there be issues with rain or something?"
"Not if my brothers and I design it together. Henrich and Milos would be rather helpful in terms of assessing risks, designing something that could withstand the elements." I grin, though she can't see. "And I do believe your home was essentially a bomb shelter that you created all on your own. I feel quite confident in our ability to create a home that would be safe, sturdy, solid."
"So you'd let me help?"
"Would I have a choice?"
Cora giggles again. "No, but I'd much rather you want my help than force it on you."
"Then it's settled. You decide if the valley is somewhere you'd like for us to plant roots, somewhere we can build a home that would be ours together, somewhere suitable for our young to run around and raise hell. If it is, then we will speak with my brothers about how realistic it is and start on a design."
My light abruptly stops and I panic momentarily at the possibility of her catching wind of the party.
Or perhaps she heard everything I said and is about to throw a comment about herexpiration date, as she so eloquently puts it, so planning our future should wait.
Hell, I worry that she's suddenly sensed some sort of danger or has a headache coming on that will throw another wrench in her progress and undo what we've created thus far.
But when I release her hand and turn, I'm met with nothing but unbridled joy.
Cora throws herself at me, wraps her arms and legs around me much like a monkey, and starts kissing my face, my lips, my chin, every bit she can access.
