A blanket of snow covered the tranquil forest, and Joseph and Rose shared a serene and gentle smile on the headstone.

Curtis carefully swept the snow off the grave, laying down a bouquet of chrysanthemums before kneeling on one knee to apologize to the resting souls. "Joseph, Rose, the monster who took you from us has finally been brought to justice. I'm sorry it took so many years to give you this peace."

Bundled up in a white down coat and wearing a soft suede hat, Leanne had her nose slightly reddened by the chilly northern wind.

Looking at the photo that captured the ever-youthful faces of her parents, she finally felt a lighter heart when remembering them.

"Mom, Dad, I'm going to have a baby," she whispered, her hand gently touching the photo, her heart swelling with love. "I'm going to be a mother."

The little girl who lived under the wings of her parents was about to become one herself, ready to love her child and teach them how to love and be loved.

Curtis took her hand and promised the gentle faces on the headstone. "I'll take good care of them, protect them. I promise."

As they left the graveyard, the snow-covered steps were slippery. Leanne held Curtis' hand, carefully taking each step with a side stance.

Curtis found her duck-like posture amusing, and he walked down two steps to stand before her. "Hop on. I'll carry you."

Leanne peeked at the long staircase below, not too proud to accept help, and climbed onto his back, her arms wrapped around his neck.

cold winter wind brushing through the trees, the quiet of the graveyard was thick with the reassuring crunch of his shoes on the snow. The weight on his back was his life's commitment, securely held

scent of wood and cold on him brought a sense of warmth untouched by

His long, curly lashes and the proud arch of his nose were a

in the moment, her gentle breaths tickled his neck like

while, she blurted out, "Curtis, you're

paused momentarily before continuing down the steps, slowly saying, "Can we talk

at his

back home instead?" he said, "Doing it

"I was just saying you look good.

me," Curtis teased, "Bold of

||

her lips close to

as he turned to meet her

call seduction," Leanne chuckled, leaning into his

his teeth.

shed her bulky coat, she found herself in his embrace, his

in, and she anticipated a kiss,

find her earlobe, kissing it before lightly

to which

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