Crossings: A Sovereign Guardians Novel (30 page)

I wanted to memorize everything about him, to have enough memories to last a lifetime. Pain pressed against my chest. I was so glad, so very glad he was alive, but how was I supposed to go through the motions of living once he was gone?

"You know," Keller drawled out, "you're past eighteen now. The good news is there's no way another demon can try and come for you."

He paused and then slowly shook his head. "The bad news is I missed your birthday, and I really hate that I missed your birthday. I wanted to get you something extra special since you were turning eighteen."

He gave me his sexiest grin as his arms moved lower, making a circle around the curve of my hips. His body lined up perfectly with mine so that he was touching me everywhere. Feeling him this close made it even harder for me to concentrate on what he was saying. I wanted to lose myself in this moment and pretend it was never going to end.

Smiling wider at my obvious need for him, Keller leaned in and whispered against my ear. "So, sweetheart, I was thinking maybe I'd give you...
me
. I mean, I know the gift's a little belated, but do you think it'd be okay if I stayed around for awhile?"

"How long?" I could barely breathe, waiting for his reply.

"As long as you'll have me."

Was this even possible? I thought I'd lost Keller forever, and now he was promising me just that.

Seeing my confusion, he tried to explain.

"Apparently when you make amazing sacrifices for the girl you love, the heavens take notice. So I was given a choice. I could remain a sovereign guardian or have a second chance to come back to heaven
after
I'd lived a long life here with you."

Knowing the answer, but wanting to hear him say it, I prodded, "So which did you choose?"

Keller wrapped me tighter in his arms, his crooked smile showing his dimple.

"You know the answer, sweetheart. It's always been all about you for me."

He kissed me deeply, showing me his love until I knew nothing but him. Wanting more, I didn't protest as he eased us both to the ground, his body covering mine.

Later -

much
later, Keller gazed deep into my eyes. His face was as bright as the sun as he smiled down at me.

I couldn't contain my answering grin, knowing I had my own piece of heaven right here on earth.

Senior year never looked so good.