Once Bitten

Part Forty-Two

~Riley's P.O.V.~ 

She looked amazing and her face showed how happy she was. I'm so glad we've made it here I never would have that a year ago that I would be here in this moment, holding her in my arms. We had a bonfire, everyone was there. They were all eager to meet us after hearing our story. We had dinner by the fire and we all talked with eachother befriending new people. We decided for our wedding to take place the following week. It was 2 a.m. and everyone started to go and get settled inside. A few of us stayed out to pick up the trash left behind. John came and shook my hand, "We're gonna head in now. I'm very happy for you two, you've got an amazing girl." "Thanks, John." I smiled and watched as he walked away. I turned around and walked to the back of the yard, finding Mae sitting on the fence where Ace was kept. He had his head in her lap as she stroked her mane, she looked a little sad. I stood behind her with my hands on her waist. "Buckie didn't make it did he..?" "He's in a better place.." She teared up a little, "I've lost so much since this all started. I wish this outbreak never happened but then what about us? I would've never met you. You'd still be with your ex-wife I'd still be with Chris. Mom, Dad and Bella would still be alive... but no.. they're gone. I'm never going to have that experience of my dad walking me down the aisle. If he just would've never done what he did maybe the three of us would be here today.." I cut her off and turned her around. "Mae, you can't keep looking back at the past. You've gone through things that no one should ever have to face, but you made it though. You made it through all of this. You've been through hell and back and look at where we are now. You have to start looking towards the future we have to move beyond the past because we can't change any of it. We're safe Mae, we are finally safe. I never thought I'd ever be able to say that with all of this happening." I kissed her. "I promise to love, cherish and protect you for as long as I live." I held her in my arms and placed her on her feet. "Lets go home." she reached her hand out entangling her fingers with mine and we walked inside to our room. She got dressed in a night gown and got in bed as I shut the door and blinds and got in bed beside her. Once again I was able to have her fall asleep in my arms. In the moment I couldn't imagine anything better. I smiled and rested my head closing my eyes. "Good night, babe. I love you." she said as she pressed her face up against my chest. "I love you too." 

**the end**

Read my other story Another Earth? (: