“It took you two weeks to come to that conclusion?”
His hands brushed over my shoulders. “No, Ivy. It took me two weeks to get my house in order. Rebecca is gone, as is every woman who has known my bed. And the bed is gone—except for the posts. Those belonged to my grandmother, but the mattress and sheets are new. It took me seven days to locate a horse like the one your father shot, and this one is yours. He’s stubborn, so if he doesn’t suit your liking, I’ll buy you another.”
I reached out and patted the horse’s side. “I wouldn’t dream of it. And I like the name Trouble.”
Lorenzo’s chest swelled. “Good,” he replied, his voice steadier. “And I spoke with my pack about my intent. Anyone who had issues—and there were three men—were forced to leave.”
“What did you tell them?” I asked in horror.
“That I’ve chosen my mate. She’s a courageous wolf with a gentle heart. That she walks a little slower than the rest of us, but she can lead.”
“And what of my past?”
Lorenzo’s hands fell to his sides. “I told them she has a strong son. They should know about him or else they might ask questions when he eventually comes to visit.”
I drew in a breath and held it. “You speak as if the decision is made.”
“Is it not enough? This is a new pack you’ll be coming into—a new home. A new bed, a horse, a nursery, and anything else you desire.”
“Nursery?”
“For our child.”
I laughed and threw my braid over my shoulder. “And what makes you think I would have a child with you?”
“Because you’re carrying him inside you,” he said, placing his hands around my hips. “I sensed it before you did. Maybe that’s why I needed to go with you to Cognito and find out how you felt about your firstborn.”
“You knew? How could you know?” My voice rose an octave and I pushed him away.
He laughed softly and pulled me close. “Such a fiery spirit you have. My wolf sensed it after our standoff with Fox but didn’t clue me in until after. Had I known at that time, I wouldn’t have allowed you to shift.”
A light breeze blew from behind him, and wooden chimes on the nearby tree clacked melodically like fairy drums. Goodness, Lorenzo smelled wonderful. A subtle hint of aftershave mixed with nature, if that was possible. I leaned into him and held my hands against his chest, looking up at him.
“You have my loyalty,” he said in a soft breath. “And my trust.”
There are few moments in our lives we’ll remember and cherish forever. This was it. This was one of them.
I brushed my fingers along his jaw and searched his eyes. He stared down at me pensively but didn’t say a word. Finally, after a moment, I smiled. “There it is.”
His brows sloped down. “There what is?”
“Your love for me. I can see it now.”
We stood in a dreamlike fog, and Trouble circled around us. My love for Lorenzo had begun as a drizzle that turned into a light rain. Now, as I looked deep into his eyes and saw our future together, it was a downpour.
He stroked my cheek with his knuckles. “You are a woman full of secrets.”
“And what of yours?”
“I have nothing to hide,” he said.
“What were your other two wishes?”
It took him a moment to recall what I was referring to and then he smiled surreptitiously. “I have them. Both,” he said, squeezing his left arm around me.
“You said you would lay down your life for me, Thunder. Will you do the same for your child?”
“Our child. I told you I’m not a man of soft words, but through my actions you will both know how deep my love runs.”
“You don’t think we’re too strong for each other?”
Lorenzo rubbed noses with me. “Without fuel, there’s no fire. You’re the mother of my child, Ivy. Only a woman as strong as you could take on that role. I hear I’m a handful.”
I laughed softly. “I would have to agree with that.”
“Ah, but I made my own bed,” he said with a lift of his brows.
“Oh? And this means?”
“It means I listen to everything you say, even when you don’t think I’m paying attention. I don’t want to let you go.”
“Are you saying I’m the bed you have to lie in?”
A crease appeared between his brows and his eyes filled with worry. “It means I don’t let a packmate make up my own bed, and I won’t allow another man to mate with the woman I love. I’m not letting you go. An old fool taught a young alpha that you can’t have love and loyalty, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let my uncle’s mistakes rule my life any longer.”
How could I not adore this man? He didn’t need to tell me in words, or even with a bouquet of flowers. Jericho had written a song for Izzy and Austin had written a note for Lexi. I respected the man who stood before me—a proud man with love in his eyes as well as his intentions. Lorenzo’s love would shine through in moments like these. The heart of a man is revealed by not just what he’s willing to give, but what he’s willing to give up.