“Of course!” I’ve never felt so close to anyone in my life. There’s an intimacy between us that goes far beyond sex. “We’re connected, Em.” She nods and gets this dreamy look on her face.

  She knows exactly what I’m talking about because of Sebastian. That man’s obsessive love for my sister is overwhelming.

  “When’s the wedding?” Her eyes light up, and excitement pinks up her cheeks.

  “As soon as I can arrange it.” Rune’s sultry voice behind me makes me jump.

  “You’re awake!” I cry out, spinning to wrap my arms around his neck and drag him down for a kiss. “Yes,” I murmur against his lips before drawing back. “You were asking, right?”

  He snorts and rolls his eyes. “Little one, I’m not asking. It’s happening.” Tears spring to my eyes, and his face softens as he brushes my wild hair away from my face and cups my cheeks, tilting my head up to his. “You’re marrying me, having my babies, and letting me take care of you until we’re too old for this world.”

  “Gross.” I hear my nephew’s voice and chuckle at him.

  “Hi, Big D!” I turn to see him grinning. “Will you sit?” I ask Rune.

  He picks me up and places me on his lap as we face my family together. “EmaLeigh, Damien, this is Rune. Rune, this is my little sister and best friend, and my favorite nephew. Chloe Junior and the twins are sadly napping.”

  Before anyone can say anything, Damien snorts and says proudly, “I’m your only nephew, Aunty. How else would I be the favorite?” before taking off with a wave.

  “When did he become such a smart ass?” I gape after the boy.

  “Around the time Sebastian came into our lives.” Ema grins, not at all sad about it, and I don’t blame her.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ema. I have every intention of making an honest woman out of your sister.” Rune smiles.

  “And giving me nieces and nephews to spoil, right?” My sister smirks as my jaw drops.

  “Working on it now,” he counters, and her eyes widen with pleasure.

  “Call me with the wedding details, and we’ll get the first flight we can.” She’s talking to Rune now, completely ignoring me.

  “You got it. I’ll be in touch in the next week about it, so plan for soon.” After a quick goodbye, she’s gone, and the cabin is quiet.

  “Where’s the baby’s room going to be?” I ask suddenly. I know he has an office on the main floor, but there’s not really space for children.

  “We’ll begin expanding as soon as the weather warms up. I’ve already placed orders for lumber and other supplies we’ll need.” He’s so matter-of-fact about it.

  “You’ve really thought this out.” I shouldn’t be surprised. Rune seems to be a planner, and I love that.

  “I want to be ready. Even if it takes a while, I want to ensure everything will be prepared sooner rather than later.” His hand moves to my belly, and while I know it’s too soon to find out, my anticipation is out of control.

  “I can’t wait for the babies and marriage and life we’re going to build together.” Leaning into him, he gives me the kiss I want and deepens it until we’re swept up in the moment and spend the day christening nearly every surface in the cabin.

  I came to Greenland looking for a story, and instead, I was gifted with love and open arms. A few surprises along the way, but I feel in my bones this is where I’m meant to be.

  Rune is the home I’ve been looking for all my life.

  RUNE

  SEVERAL WEEKS LATER.

  I shuffle my feet impatiently as I look out at the intimate gathering in our yard. A tent was erected because snowfall had been predicted to be heavy this morning, and the forecasters were right. Heaters are also spaced out to keep our wedding guests comfortable.

  As music begins playing, CJ walks down the aisle as our flower girl, tossing purple Saxifrage petals as she goes, smiling and twirling like a tiny ballerina. Damien follows shortly after with the rings Chloe and I chose for each other.

  When EmaLeigh and Sebastian start their way down the aisle, each holding a twin in their arms, I stand up straighter, knowing my bride is next.

  Closing my eyes as the music changes, signalling Chloe’s arrival with my father, I slowly open them to take her in and lose my breath as well as any functioning brain cells.

  I figured she would be gorgeous, but I had no idea she would take my breath away. Her dress was made by a seamstress in town who enjoys the intricacy of designing wedding gowns, and with a few adjustments to a dress she’d previously crafted, Chloe looks like a Viking queen.

  She’s enveloped in ivory with black floral sequined lace creeping over a layer of rose gold tulle. The bodice extends into a soft A-line skirt and flowing train and is accentuated with black velvet ribbon, creating a six-pointed star at the sternum and soft tulle straps hand-tied at each shoulder.

  My father beams down at her like the proud parent he’s become to my bride. Their relationship has grown since the first time they met, and I was unsurprised when she told me she wanted the man to give her away. Pops, however, had been shocked and moved to tears before accepting her request.

  The ceremony continues on in a blur of heartfelt vows, promises of love and forever and the agreement to spend our lives intertwined for eternity. When I’m finally permitted to kiss my bride, I don’t hesitate and pull her into my arms with a possessive hold and a dire need to claim my woman.

  Our lips gently touch, and I ignite with need. Lifting Chloe up in my arms and off her feet, she wraps her body around me, holding me just as close, just as tightly. She allows me to dominate the kiss because it’s what we both like, what we crave together. And when we finally separate, overheated and forgetful of our audience until applause erupts, a soft pink blush blossoms up her chest, neck, and cheeks, but her smile is warm and pleased.

  Placing my new wife on her feet, we face our guests together, raising our twined hands as Ema and Sebastian drape our cloaks over our shoulders, then rush from the tent, followed by whistles and catcalls. Laughing our way into the house, I help Chloe put on a pair of warmer boots she bought for our outdoor reception, which our guests are now setting up.

  “You’re my husband,” she whispers, her eyes filled with love as she stares down at me while I tie her boots.

  Dropping her foot, I lean forward, grabbing the back of her neck and dragging her forward as my lips touch hers, saying, “And you’re my wife,” as I capture her lips in a far more intimate kiss than moments ago.

  I fuck into her mouth the same way I’d like to be inside her willing pussy, but we both agreed to wait until tonight. To build the need and anticipation we constantly feel for one another.

  “Christ, woman.” I pull back before I do what we both want and devour her until we forget the awaiting reception. “We should go.”

  Neither of us makes a move to get up.

  “They’re waiting,” Chloe pants, her eyes hooded with lust swirling in her hungry gaze. “We should go.” Her giggle at copying my words breaks the heated moment, and I help her to her feet.

  Clasping our hands together, we walk out the back door to our celebration with smiles on our faces and love filling our hearts.

  Pitching in to finish set-up as the only diner in town arrives with our catering order, the afternoon is spent talking, laughing, and making plans for the future with not only my wife but her family and mine.

  Everyone is eager to tell stories about the Eriksson family from as far back as a hundred years ago. And while I’d like to hear more about Chloe from her sister, she’s eating the lore all up, and I’m delighted she’s intrigued, too.

  Taking to the dance floor for our first dance, I feel the most settled I’ve ever been in my life. I never believed the woman meant to be mine would show up when she did, and my gratitude for Chloe’s inquisitive nature will forever be ingrained in my soul.

  “Are you happy?” She leans back to stare at me, her petiteness ever-present, more so now than at any other time since our meeting.

  “I’m beyond happy. Having you as mine forever is the only thing I’ll ever want or need.” She smiles when I kiss the tip of her nose.

  “So, if I told you I’m late, you couldn’t be any happier?” There’s a twinkle of mischief in her eye, and I resist the urge to swat her ass.

  “You know I’d be pleased, woman. Don’t fuck with me.” The growl in my tone rumbles my chest.

  Before Chloe can say anything else, there’s a loud crash at the back of the tent, followed by startled screams as Bear and Waddles make their entrance and help themselves to the table of fish I had set up just for them.

  “Good thing we warned everyone first.” Chloe nearly doubles over with laughter as the pair sits on the ground and chows down on their feast. The guests are unsure at first, but after a while, they settle down and enjoy the rest of their evening.

  Waddles follows Ema’s kids around, and Bear slumbers with his head under a table, snoring loudly but is otherwise content with the festivities happening around him.

  “It’s getting late,” Chloe whispers in my ear as she comes up behind me. “And I have a surprise for you.

  I don’t hesitate to scoop her up and carry her home to applause behind us.

  CHLOE

  Rune carries me inside over his shoulder, boots stomping on the floor to shake off the fresh snow. As I’m placed on my feet, my new husband doesn’t hesitate to undress me before tackling his own clothes.

  Garments fly and land everywhere, and as he takes a step closer to me after I’ve got my boots off, I take steps backwards. He growls his displeasure, and I turn and run up the stairs to our bed. His excited roar as I jump on the mattress makes my body shiver with excitement.

  “Woman!” He sounds feral and angry all at once. “What did you do?”

  Jiggling my ass as I kneel on the bed, I reach under the pillow and grab the small bottle of lubricant I had hidden there, tossing it back at him.

  “Just wanted to be prepared,” I say, winking playfully when he snarls again.

  His naked body is a distraction as he moves stealthily towards me, gripping his cock in a tight fist and stroking slowly. “You are constantly surprising me.”

  When he reaches the bed, Rune pops the top of the lube and squeezes out a line along the length of his cock before rubbing it in and crawling on behind me.

  Raising my hips and arching my back, I close my eyes as I feel one calloused hand stroke over the smooth skin of my ass before he grabs the end of the plug I inserted before our ceremony. Wiggling it back and forth gently, I can’t help moaning in excitement and pleasure as his hairy thighs press into the back of mine.

  “This is what men go to war over, little one. This gorgeous sight will be ingrained in my mind for all eternity, and I’m so grateful you chose me to give this gift.” His words are tinged with emotion, and I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude.

  Pushing up on my hands, I sit up and mold my back to his front while reaching back and pulling him down to me. Our mouths barely touch as I say, “Thank you for making me see that our love was worth giving a chance. I couldn’t imagine a better husband or a happier start to our life together.”

  Our kiss is slow and sensual, with his hands cupping my breasts and tweaking my nipples as our tongues tangle. “Ass up, head down,” he groans, pulling away. “I’ve waited so long for this and can’t hold back anymore.”

  “Make me yours, husband,” I murmur as I drop down to the bed, reaching up to grab a pillow to hold onto as Rune grabs the plug and moves it around inside me gently before gradually removing it and replacing the tip with the head of his cock. A moan escapes me, and my entire body flushes with desire as I press back into him.

  “I’m not going to survive the intense pleasure of this, little one. Jesus, I won’t last.” His murmured words as his hands caress along my back, securing me in place while pushing forward, make me bite my lip to stifle the way I want to beg him to stop holding back again.

  “Oooo,” I whine as Rune bucks forward, our bodies flush and breaths heavy. “More,” I whisper, glancing back at him. His face is strained, eyes closed, and jaw clenched.

  “You don’t know what this is doing to me, woman. You don’t know how hard I’m trying not to let go and take you so fucking brutally we’ll both scream.” He sounds pained.

  “Do it,” I encourage. “Do it, please,” I beg between clenched teeth. My body is on fire and needs him to do something to relieve the tension coursing through my muscles and the heat in my veins.

  Draping himself over me, Rune pushes my hair away from my neck and face, leaving light kisses along my throat and jaw until he meets my lips. “Whatever my wife wants,” he vows and pulls out slowly before thrusting back in to the hilt.

  I scream in ecstasy, withholding nothing as he thrusts repeatedly until we’re a tangled mess of desire and sweat. Unable to move when my orgasm finally takes me under, I bite into the pillow I’ve been holding onto and press back into Rune as his hips grow unhinged and erratic.

  “Fuck, wife, fuck. I love you,” he groans as I feel him release inside of me as we drop onto the bed and struggle to catch our breaths. “You have no idea how much I want to do that again.” His lips travel along my spine as he pulls out, and a gush of his semen slides down my pussy.

  “Soon,” I whisper sleepily, not wanting to move when he gets up and I hear the bath running.

  I’m groggy as Rune comes back to carry me into the tub, enrobing us both in the warm water where his hands slide down my body, one clasping onto my belly and the other finding my clit and rubbing in gentle circles.

  “Oh, that feels nice,” I murmur, opening my thighs wider for him. My body is quick to heat up and take me over the edge again.

  “I love you so damn much, Chloe.” His finger hooks under my jaw to lift my lips to his. “I can’t wait for our lives to start.”

  “I love you too, Rune, more than I thought I could ever love a man.” Smiling against his mouth, my body melts into him, and I know without a doubt that my story led me to the love of my life.

  EPILOGUE

  RUNE

  The following Christmas.

  Christmas morning has always just been me and Pops for as long as I can remember. We spend it cooking, cleaning up, visiting a few families who might be in need of something, and relaxing and reminiscing around the fire. For years, that was how we spent our holidays.

  This year, however, bustles with family. Chloe’s sister, Ema, her husband, and their four kids arrived a few days ago for the third time this year. They came for the wedding in January and again in the summer to help build the addition to the cabin while the weather was good.

  Chloe and Ema are thriving as mothers, and after Sebastian told me everything that happened with his wife before they met, I’m glad both women are happy.

  Children carefully rip through their presents now as my father tries to maintain some kind of stability and ensure everyone has a present to open at the same time. He’s not fast enough for these kids, though.

  Ema gushes over the infant my wonderful wife brought into the world three weeks ago, and Sebastian attempts to make the huge breakfast his wife left him to conquer on his own.

  “Need a hand?” I offer, and the other man grins in acceptance.

  “How do such small people eat this damn much?” he mutters as he pulls out a third pan of bacon from the oven.

  “Endless energy?” I supply.

  From our first meeting, Sebastian and I became good friends. We talk often and find amusement in comparing our wives’ silly quirks. For people living on two different continents, our families have navigated the challenges well. Their children quickly started calling me uncle and my father grandpa after he told them he’d love that.

  Chloe’s article was published in the spring and won a few writing and historical awards for accuracy and dedication to discovering more than what was offered thus far. She’s now working on a book about my ancestry and has a publisher chewing at the bit to get their hands on it.

  I never imagined that when this sprite of a woman showed up a year ago, this would be our life, but she’s turned my world upside down in the best way. We still take time for ourselves to remember that we’re more than providers for those in need, more than parents and caretakers.

  We’re friends and lovers, first and always.

  Once breakfast is set out on the table, buffet style, everyone allows me to grab a plate for Chloe before they begin piling their own up high.

  Sitting next to my wife as she feeds our son, Leif, I don’t hesitate to drop a kiss on her lips and then his head before offering a slice of bacon.

  The moan she lets out makes my dick twitch, and I groan. “Keep that up, woman, and you’re going to make me a mess.” She giggles and takes another bite, holding in any sexual sounds this time.

  “This has been a wonderful holiday, right?” She’s emotional, and when the tears enter her eyes, I can tell they’re happy ones, but I fight my panic anyway.

  “The best I’ve ever had,” I reply honestly.

  I breathe a sigh of relief when she smiles. “Next year, we’ll go to Alaska to spend it with them?” She’s asking, but she damn well knows I’ll do whatever she wants. “Bring Pops, too.”

  “Couldn’t leave him alone after this year if we wanted to.” I laugh, watching the old man help the younger kids with their plates so their parents can have a break. There’s a new life in his eyes, and he’s happier than I’ve ever seen him.

  All because this woman asked to have my babies.

  EPILOGUE

  CHLOE

  Six Years Later.

 

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