You, Gavin breathed, are trouble, Camille Hart. I half panted, half laughed.

He only called me by my maiden name when I was indeed trouble. Well, I hope you learned your lesson. Next time, dont be so bossy. Smiling into his neck, I gave him a light bite, sucking gently on his damp skin. I think Audreys snark finally rubbed off on you. Finally? I pulled back to look him in the eye, arching my brow. Have you been living under a rock? I like it, he said cheerfully. The new and improved Mrs. Devereaux. And I like you bossy. I poked him in the shoulder, my grin spreading. Although I must admit I miss your shy smile. I think youve let your head get too big, husband. I cant help it, he leaned in and grazed my nose with his, inhaling deeply. Making love to you makes me bold. As it should. I pecked the end of his nose. Now I do believe its time for you to feed your wife. Shes starving. Well, he laughed, sliding off of me to zip up his pants, fortunately were in the right place. I stood and straightened out my dress, allowing Gavin to zip me up. We both turned and surveyed our surroundings. Uh, yeah I cleared my throat, eyeing the restaurant table Gavin had just thrown me on, about that Our poor, poor customers. Not like its the first time, Gavin grinned, adjusting his shirt collar. True. But were probably going straight to hell for it. Hey, he bent down to pick up all the items wed tossed from the table, I built this place and designed it with my own two hands. Its our place of business, but we practically live here, too. If I want to take my wife on my restaurant table, Ill take my wife on my restaurant table. Fine, fine. I smiled and raised my hands in surrender, shaking my head. I had to admit, Gavin was right. Audreys Restaurant was our second home. When we werent tucked away in our cottage-style abode down the road, we were here. Something also told me that Audrey would be quite proud of the way Gavin and I utilized the kitchen named after her. Our loyal patrons who came in every evening for a warm, home-cooked meal would probably feel different about the matter. Speaking of business, I was thinking of maybe opening the place up for lunch hours again. What do you think? Who will watch Ava? We dont need the extra money, Gav. We have everything we need. I know, love, but it cant hurt to put away some extra. Maybe well want to make some upgrades to the house some day. How will we do that without some extra in savings? I couldnt help but smile at his words. Our savings accounts and currency were nothing like what we had back on Earth, but as Amaranthians, wed found a system that worked for our realm. Wed all voted on a new structure for the villages when Grards reign fell, and maintaining some common traditionssome normalcyfrom our lives on Earth was a part of that structure. It was important to us. Still, it wasnt like we were saving for yearly vacations or college tuition for our children. Our financial goals were much more limited. Whats so funny? Gavin asked, enjoying my amusement. Nothing, its justthis is so surreal. Even now, after all these years. Doesnt it ever feel

that way to you? Ah, he nodded in understanding, moving to sweep his arms around me and kiss my forehead. Of course it does. I guess its just been easier for me to adapt. I left my humanity long before you did, remember? Pulling back to smile down at me, he pinned me with soft, mocha eyes. You still miss Earth. You dont? I gasped. I was genuinely surprised by this. What about your grandfathers home? What about our friends Of course I miss all of those things. He tilted my chin up, his expression completely earnest now. And you know how I feel about our friends. I just dont let my mind linger on what life was like anymore. This is life now. Dont you ever wishthere were more? I whispered, feeling ashamed. In truth, our Amaranthian life had been more than I could have ever asked for. I had a beautiful family, a safe, comfortable home, and everything I needed right here in our village. No more Grard, no more zombie witches or evil guards threatening everyone I loved. Then there was my life on Earth before all of this. Before Id ever met Gavin or entered into the world of the frozen souls and the witches. My life was once littered with toxic relationships, fear, and an unspeakable weight Id carried around from the burden of my troubled relationship with my mother. Things on Earth didnt make a whole lot of sense to begin with, so I guess living here, in some strange, distant realm, really was paradise compared to all of that drama. But some things would always be missing. Hey, Gavin called me softly, as if reading my mind, I know how hard it is for you. I know how much you miss them. I nodded, feeling my face tighten with emotion at the thought of the friends and family wed lostthe relationships we had to sacrifice in order to destroy Grard and give them a chance at a happy, free life on Earth. Not a day went by when I didnt think of them and wonder where they might be, what they were up to, or how they were enjoying their human lives. Theres nothing wrong with wishing for more. You dont think I wonder sometimes? What it would be like to have more here to pursue? I know were limited when it comes to life goals. Theres no traveling to Europe, no enrolling Ava in a university, no possibility of taking an RV out on an open road. And I know no one will ever replace the people we lost. But things are changing, Cam. His thumb drifted across my cheekbone, then down over my bottom lip. Who knows what Amaranth will be like a year from now, let alone five or ten. Things are only going to get better from here, love. Youll see. You really think so? I know so.