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The officiant came back to the center of the chapel and started the ceremony.

Annie glowed. We both held Gabriel’s hands as we stood in front of the altar. We were dressed in our hiking clothes, but this was our wedding, our way. I’d give her the wedding of her dreams when I returned from deployment. But I’d pay for everything, and her parents wouldn’t be invited.

“Do you, Patrick Joseph Walsh, take this woman whose hand you now hold, to be your true and wedded wife; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, cherish, honor and protect her, to forsake all others for her sake; to cleave unto her, and her only, with her forever until death shall part you?”

My heart pounded in my chest. “I do.”

“Do you, Analía Rose Hamilton, take this man who now holds your hand, to be your true and wedded husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, cherish, honor and protect him, to forsake all others for his sake; to cleave unto him and him only, and him forever until death shall part you?”

Annie beamed. “I do.”

We exchanged rings. And then I heard the words I was waiting for.

“Therefore, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Nevada, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

I cupped Annie’s face and kissed her. She jumped on me and I twirled her around.

“I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Walsh.”

Annie was mine now. Gabriel was mine. I was a father. Forever. We all shared the last name of Walsh. And no one would ever hurt my wife and son again.

37

Annie

I GLANCED DOWN AT THE ring on my finger. I was a married woman now. I never thought any man would love or accept Gabriel and me. But Pat loved me; I knew he did, not just from his words, but from his actions.

We’d celebrated all day on the lake, playing in the sand on the beach. Gabriel loved Pat. And though I hadn’t been able to choose Gabriel’s birth father, I had just given Gabriel the best gift of all. I’d chosen him the best father for life. Pat accepted Gabriel as his own. And it made me love him even more.

Patrick began Gabriel’s bedtime routine as I snuck up to the bedroom. I felt more nervous than ever. Despite my proclamations that I was healed, would I shut down during sex? Push him away, cry from pain instead of pleasure?

I drew myself a hot bath and slipped in. Strawberry scented bubbles filled the tub, and I relaxed into the suds. Tonight was a new beginning for me. I would wash my past away.

I heard the bedroom door creak open. I didn’t want to wait another minute. I let out the water, exited the tub, and slathered on some lotion. A white silk camisole and matching panties beckoned me. I glanced at my body in the mirror. All the years I’d been taken, I’d hated myself. But now, I really saw myself as beautiful. I was a wife, I was a mother. I wasn’t dirty, I wasn’t a whore. And I couldn’t wait to make love to my husband.

I exited the bathroom. Patrick sat on the edge of the bed, and he just stared at me. “God, you’re perfect. I love you, Mrs. Walsh. You’re all mine now.”

I focused on him. His beauty, his strength. His muscles sculpted from carrying boats over his head, pushing logs on the beach. Rugged and real, he was mine. I undressed for my husband, slowly, his blue eyes following my every move.

I placed my arms around his neck, his masculine scent driving me wild. His lips traveled from my face, to my ears, to my neck. We kissed, slowly, emotionally.

I wanted him to feel how much I loved him. I tugged at his belt, and pulled off his shorts.

He stopped and reached for a condom. But condoms seemed dirty to me, reminded me of being back at the brothel. I pushed it out of his hand.

“Babe, I want to feel every inch of you inside me. Please, make love to me.”

He seemed almost hesitant as I took off his boxers. I leaned in to take him into my mouth, but he pushed me away.

A look of shame crossed his face. “No.” He placed his hand on the swell of my back, kissed my lips. “Come here.”

I climbed on top of him, grinding my hips into his. His hands cupped my ass, steering my movements, pushing me toward pleasure.

He nuzzled his head into my chest, licking, sucking, rubbing my nipples. No more teasing. I couldn’t wait any longer; I wanted to feel him inside of me.

“Now, I want you now. Please, don’t make me wait any longer.”

I needed him. All of him. Completely.