Part 33 (2/2)

I lived life a little bit harder, and I loved a whole lot deeper.

I knew what it felt like to nearly lose two of the most important beings in my life, and I lived life like it was meant to be. By giving all I had to give.

I took the time to jump on the trampoline with my son. I held my daughter for a little bit longer than I probably should. And I made love to my wife like it would be our last time.

I savored. I experienced. I repeated.

Why?

Because tomorrow it could all be gone, and I had to live like today was my last.

”You're thinking deep thoughts.” Baylee whispered into my ear as she turned my hat backwards, and then wrapped her arms around my neck.

My hands went low, until they cupped her a.s.s. Then I leaned down and kissed her. ”Nothing too deep. Yet. Just thinking about a place to sneak off to for a few minutes with my wife.”

Baylee smiled seductively, and her eyes became hooded. ”I saw a nice little bathroom inside somewhere. Maybe we should go check it out.”

Some people might say that I wasn't a lucky man having experienced all that I had over the last couple of years, but I saw things differently.

She squealed as I wrapped her legs around my hips and started walking purposefully.

I had the perfect wife. Two healthy children. A job that I loved. The best family that anyone could ever ask for in the Dixie Wardens. And I was living to tell about it.

What more could a man ask for?

”Did you know, Sebastian?” Baylee asked as I carried her to into the bathroom and slammed the door.

”What?” I asked, pinning her against the wall.

My lips skimmed up her jaw and came to a rest against her mouth.

”That you're the lights to my siren.”

And that was why I was a lucky son of a b.i.t.c.h.

Kettle.

I watched as my best friend walked away with his wife.

Looking down at the baby in my arms, I realized what I was missing.

Life was pa.s.sing me by.

If I wasn't careful, I'd be dead before I ever really lived.

I'd tried it before and lost.

Could I try it again?

Then I laughed harshly. What would it matter?

There was no light at the end of my tunnel.

That s.h.i.+p had sailed a long time ago.

end.

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