Journey keened with ecstasy as an unearthly light stole her vision. Gravity’s hold on her seemed to evaporate and she felt herself flying beyond the bounds of earth. Clinging to Reno, she knew in her heart they were created to be together, not even time could keep them apart.
With incredulous love, Reno gazed at her face, feeling her small body tense and shiver against him. His own release was at hand, the love he felt for this woman was about to spill from his aching loins. Wanting to take her to the edge one more time, he tried to hold back, he tried to keep moving.
Journey could tell he was losing his grip on self-control. She could feel the power and strength of his entire body focused on making sure she felt adored. “We’ll be together forever, love. This isn’t the last time we’ll make love. Just let go.” She buried her face in his chest. “We’ll have the rest of our lives to make one another happy.”
Her touch, her assurance, the way she loved him…it all came together to form the perfect catalyst. Bellowing his pleasure, he gave her his all. “Journey, my Journey,” he whispered against her smile as their hearts beat in sync, a sign he took as a sure promise they’d never part.
Caressing his face, Journey ran the pad of her thumb against the stubble on his cheeks. Beads of exertion dampened his forehead. “You’re the most perfect man in the world.”
“For you, maybe.”
“For me, indeed.” Wrapping her arms around him, she held him close as he could be.
Keeping their bodies joined, Reno took her with him as he rolled to one side. A sigh of longing left his lips as he found her eyes in the moonlight. “Know this, my love. When I leave you tomorrow, the memory of this night will be my strength. And when it’s time for me to return, the light of your love will lead me home.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
On this one day of all days, Journey hated the sunrise. She wanted to pull the curtains shut, and pretend morning never came. Sitting next to Reno, she watched him sleep. A wistful smile came to her lips at the memory of the night they’d shared. He’d loved her to the limit of their ability. The number of orgasms didn’t reach twenty-eight, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. “I’m going to miss you every day,” she spoke softly, not wanting to wake him. He needed his rest. A long journey lay before him.
Rising quietly, she dressed, then made her way through the house. There were no animals to be seen. This made her laugh. She was tempted to go peek into Myra’s room just to see them all piled up together. There would be time for that later – after Reno was gone. Right now, there were some things she could do to help him prepare.
In the sunroom, she began putting together the information he needed to help Cole. She even put the papers in a plastic bag, just in case there was rain. “Whoever finds this is going to be amazed.” She also found his notes on John Taylor and Kinsella, the dates and details he wanted to pass on to the authorities. Lastly, she sat down to write him a note. Something for him to find when he needed it the most. Journey was in such a hurry, all she could find to write it on was the back of the flyer from the company who owned the helicopter they’d chartered to take them for a flight over the city of Austin. “This will have to do.”
Dear Reno,
Love of my life. You have made me happier than I ever hoped to be. Only you could make all my dreams come true. Take care of Cole and Ela, spend time with your friends, let them know how much you care. Then come home to me, please. I will pray for your safety ever moment you’re gone and count the minutes until you come home to me. Your baby and I will be waiting for you.
Your loving wife,
Journey
Tucking the note inside one of the other papers, so it wouldn’t be obvious, she’d just managed to put it all together in one envelope when she heard his voice.
“Journey?”
“In here.”
He came to her and she walked straight into his arms. “I’ve gathered everything you need to take with you.”
“Thank you.” He studied the envelope’s size. “I might sew it into the inside of my shirt or my duster. How does that sound?”
“Next to your skin would be safest I’d think. Aunt Myra would do that for you, I’m sure.”
“Good. I’ll ask.” Placing the envelope on the table nearest the door, he put his arm around her shoulder. “I want to spend as much time with you today as I can. The only other thing I need to do is get Kota and Lou together for a few minutes. I want to make double sure I’m not missing anything.”
“Yes. I think that’s a good idea. You don’t want to forget anything important.” Journey held onto the back of the chair for support. For the first time in days, she felt nauseous. By sheer will, she kept the feeling at bay. There was no way in hell she’d let on to Reno. This was one thing he didn’t need to know. Not today.
“No, I can’t afford to forget anything. Since Lou isn’t up yet, why don’t you come into the
