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He huffs a laugh, as relaxed as can be. “Calm down, hummingbird.”
My head snaps and, for a brief moment, I go completely still. But this isn’t the time for me to fall apart, so I steel my spine and shake off whatever isn’t helping in this moment. My chest expands as I suck in a big breath. I don’t know where the strength comes from or if he just gives in, but I manage to turn Teague enough to see the thin plastic film is covering fresh red.
I wobble, feeling woozy, and very much not stable. “Wh-what…? That…”
Finally, Teague turns fully, the back of his left shoulder on display.
And the artwork is breathtaking.
“I don’t… That’s…”
“You. It’s you, hummingbird.”
And it is. Nestled in the scars that stripe his back is a hummingbird, ruby-red throat, black head, gray and white body, dancing in the air. Surrounding it are hundreds of small red blooms perched on stems made of his scars.
It’s stunning. Beauty from ruin.
“When… Why?” I can’t get a complete thought to form. I’m okay but rattled.
Stunned.
Honored.
“Today. I wanted you close, always.” He turns back to me again, cupping my face between his calloused palms. “Already had the cross over my heart, but with you at my back, my heart can rest safe and sure. Always. Need you in my life, Truie. Always.”
“I, Teague, I…” A laugh bubbles up from deep inside me, erupting on a breath. “You literally have me chipped.”
“Don’t start that.”
“Like a dog.”
“Truie,” he warns, but there’s no bite.
“A dog.”
“And you have me tagged as well.”
He’s not wrong. I check on him several times a day when he’s away from me. But this is different. “You had me etched into your skin. That’s…”
“It’s fucking beautiful. And I’d do it again. A hundred times over.”
I step behind him and trace the scars, the lines, the flowers. The bird perfectly still but in constant motion suspended in midair. I press a kiss to the edge of the protective film. And then to the center of his back and wrap my arms tightly around his waist, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes.
“Thank you.” I kiss him again before he swings an arm around and pulls me to his front. “Thank you for saving me”
“You saved yourself.”
“Thank you for loving me.”
“There’s nothing to thank there.”
“Thank you for bringing me out of the darkness.”
I press my lips to his, swallowing his words and drinking them in.
Overalls may very well be the least alluring clothing, but they are convenient. I unclip the straps and let them fall, pooling at my feet. Fumbling, I do away with his belt, the buttons, the zipper, shoving his pants and briefs down and away like they’ve personally offended me.
Teague walks right out of them and strides across the room to our favorite chair in front of the fireplace. “Want you too bad. Need you now.” He sits, settling my ass on his spread thighs.
