Chapter 37
The Promise of Forever
The morning after was quiet, as if the world itself was still reeling from the intensity of the night before. But there was something new in the air a softness that hadn't been there before. A peace that settled deep into their bones, quiet and unshakeable.
Marissa woke first, the sunlight pouring in through the window, bathing the room in golden hues. For a moment, she lay there, just watching Mason sleep. His features were relaxed, calm, untouched by the storms of the past. She traced the lines of his jaw, her fingers light against his skin, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she could finally breathe.
The past was a place she never wanted to return to. But here, in this room, with Mason beside her, she realized she didn't need to. She was exactly where she needed to be.
Mason stirred, a low groan escaping him as he blinked awake, his eyes catching hers almost instantly.
"Morning," he whispered, his voice thick with sleep, but there was something deeper behind it. Something more.
"Morning," she replied, her voice a little shaky, though she wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the way he was looking at her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world.
Mason reached for her, pulling her close as she melted into his arms, letting the warmth of his body press against hers. "What's going through that head of yours?" he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead.
"I'm just... I'm here," she said softly, "I'm really here. And it feels... like I've been waiting for this moment all my life."
He smiled, his eyes flickering with something that made her heart flutter. "Then don't ever leave," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.
"I won't," she promised. And for the first time, she meant it with everything she was.
They spent the morning in the kitchen, making breakfast together. Mason was making his signature scrambled eggs, the kind that were always just a little too runny, but somehow perfect in every way. Marissa was chopping fruit, the kitchen filled with laughter as Mason teased her for her lack of knife skills.
"What would I do without you?" he asked, grinning at her as he plated the food.
"I'm sure you'd survive," she said with a smirk, "But it wouldn't be nearly as fun."
He set the plates down in front of her, his hand lingering on hers as he brushed a lock of hair from her face. "I don't think I want to know what life would be like without you," he said quietly, his gaze serious for the first time that morning.
Marissa's breath caught in her throat. "Mason, you don't"
But he cut her off with a kiss, slow and tender, like he was trying to pour everything he felt into that one moment.
When they finally broke apart, his forehead rested against hers, both of them gasping for air. "I love you, Marissa," he whispered. "I've loved you from the moment I saw you."
Her heart thudded in her chest, a mixture of joy and fear flooding her veins. "I love you too," she whispered back, "More than you know."
They ate breakfast in comfortable silence, the only sound the soft clink of silverware and the occasional chuckle as Mason made another joke at her expense. But even in the smallest moments, it felt like the universe was falling into place.
Later that afternoon, they decided to go for a walk in the woods behind Mason's cabin. The air was cool and crisp, the ground damp from the rain, but the sky was clearing, revealing a pale blue that stretched endlessly above them.
They walked hand in hand, the only sound the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the occasional bird call. Mason was quiet, but not in a way that felt distant. More like he was savoring the moment, just like she was.
"Do you ever think about the future?" she asked after a while, her voice quiet, almost shy.
He looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "I think about it all the time," he said, squeezing her hand. "But the only thing I'm sure of is that I want you in it. For as long as you'll have me."
Marissa's heart skipped a beat. She stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "Mason…"
He smiled, his eyes warm with affection. "I know we can't predict what's coming, but I do know that I'll fight for you. Fight for us. Whatever it takes."
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "I'm not used to this. I'm not used to feeling like I belong somewhere."
"You belong here, with me," he said, his voice firm, but gentle. "And I'm never letting you go."
She stepped closer, pressing her lips to his, the kiss slow and sweet, like everything she had ever wanted was finally within reach. When they pulled away, she rested her forehead against his, her breath shaky.
"Promise me something," she said softly.
"Anything," he replied instantly.
"Promise me you'll always be this... safe place. No matter what happens, no matter where life takes us."
"I promise," he said, his voice unwavering. "I'll always be the place you land, Marissa. Always."
And in that moment, with the world around them still and the future uncertain, it felt like nothing else mattered. Because in Mason's arms, she had found her home.