Chapter 14 - The Mountain Air
Three months later.
The crisp, sharp air of the Swiss Alps rushed through the open window of the chalet, carrying the pristine smell of pine, snow, and mountain lakes.
I stood on the wide wooden terrace, wrapped in a heavy cream cashmere sweater, holding a steaming mug of dark coffee. Below us, the valley sparkled under a brilliant winter sun, the snow-capped peaks rising majestically against a clear blue sky.
The glass door behind me slid open.
Liam walked out onto the terrace. He wore dark trousers and a heavy charcoal wool sweater. His limp was almost completely gone, his frame filled out with healthy muscle, his skin tan and glowing under the mountain sun.
He walked up behind me, wrapping his broad arms around my waist, pulling me back against his warm chest. He buried his face in the neck of my sweater, pressing a warm kiss against my skin.
"How was the morning call with the clinic?" he asked softly.
"Dr. Weber called ten minutes ago," I said, turning in his arms to smile up at him. "Tommy’s bone marrow biopsy came back completely clear. Zero blast cells. He's officially in complete remission."
Liam let out a deep, contented breath, his arms tightening around me. "We're picking him up at two o'clock. His room here is completely set up."
"I know," I whispered, resting my head against his chest, listening to the heavy, steady beat of his heart. "I still feel like I'm dreaming sometimes, Liam. Four months ago, I was sitting in a tiny kitchen in Chicago with a final eviction notice and a dying brother."
"And now?" Liam asked, tilting my jaw up so his eyes could hold mine.
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"And now I'm standing on a mountain with the man who saved my family," I said softly.
Liam leaned down, kissing me deeply, his hands cupping my face, his warm lips moving against mine with a sweet, possessive reverence that made the rest of the world melt away.
