Sometimes the best stories are the ones you never planned to write.
48
EPILOGUE
With desperate need to be home, I park the car in the driveway, my heart already racing at the thought of seeing my family.The moment I step through our entrance, familiar piano notes float through the air from an unexpected part of the house.I drop my luggage, drawn to the music like a moth to flame.
Standing in the kitchen doorway, I'm treated to a sight that makes my mouth go dry.Swaying hips in a red satin bathrobe that hugs every curve, my wife lost in her own world.Like a lion prowling his prey, I close the distance and whisper near her ear, "Expecting your lover to visit?"
She jumps like a startled frog, and I use the moment to pull her against my chest, breathing in her familiar scent.
"Cole!You're home."
Before she can say more, I lift her off the ground.Her legs wrap around my waist like they belong there, and her hands cup my cheeks as she rests her forehead against mine.The sweet smell of her skin surrounds me as she traces my beard with gentle fingers before pressing a soft kiss to my lips.Home.Finally home.
"Missed touching this handsome face of yours."
"Where are the kids?"My voice is rougher than intended, heavy with need.
"The twins are still in dreamland, and Sam is at school."
I grin and position her on the kitchen counter, settling between her opened legs.While her hands explore my chest through my shirt, she bites that tempting lower lip as I untie her bathrobe, pushing the silk off her shoulders.
"Damn, is this your 'welcome home' outfit?"I ask, revealing smooth red lace underneath.Her nails dig into my arms when I brush my stubble across her shoulder, my hands finding their way to her curves.
"This needs to come off," she murmurs, tugging at my shirt.
A loud cry breaks the moment, and she drops her forehead to my chest with a frustrated sigh.
"Guess 'our time' has to wait."
I lift her chin, stroking my thumb across her lips while drowning in those bedroom eyes.
"Tonight, you're mine.We're showering together, and I'm going to worship the hell out of you."
Two separate cries fill the air.After setting her back on her feet, she secures her robe and takes my hand.
"Come on, your kids have missed you.They've burst into tears every time you ended our daily video call."
Hand in hand, we head to the kids' bedroom, my steps quickening at their cries.
"Mama!"
I burst through the door, throwing my hands up with dramatic flair."Daddy is back!"
Both Axel and Harley stand in their cribs, and the way their eyes widen at the sight of me makes my heart squeeze.
"Dada!"Axel's voice hits decibels only a Walker child could achieve.
"Hey, buddy."I cross the room in three strides, scooping him up.His little fingers immediately find my face, tracing my features like he's making sure I'm real.I settle him on my arm, drinking in those sparkling forest green eyes so like his mother's.
"God, I missed you."I pepper his chubby cheek with kisses, making him giggle.
"Oh boy...your daughter disagrees with your approach, Cole."
I turn to find my sweet Harley perched on her mom's hip, her bottom lip trembling as she watches her brother.Those blue eyes - my eyes - fill with tears.
"Dada."The soft sniff and outstretched arms undo me completely.Heart melting, I hold out my free arm.Alisha chuckles, transferring our daughter.Harley immediately tucks herself into the crook of my neck, her little mantra of "Dada, dada" warming my soul.
