Epilogue

Nice, France - June 1875

The morning sun gently kissed Gabrielle's bare skin, waking her from a peaceful sleep. She opened her eyes to the sight of sunlight streaming through the open windows, casting a warm glow on the rumpled white sheets. Buck, already awake and standing at the window, was a strong, naked silhouette against the sun-drenched landscape.

Watching him, a lazy smile spread across Gabrielle's lips. The way his muscles rippled as he stretched and his gaze lingered on the vast ocean in front of them never failed to send shivers down her spine.

"What a view," she finally murmured, her voice still husky with sleep. Pulling the sheet around herself, the thin cotton barely concealing her enticing curves, she couldn't help but admire the gorgeous scenery.

Buck turned, a slow smile gracing his face as he moved towards the bed. The sunlight caught the desire glinting in his eyes.

"You are full of surprises, Mrs. Cross," he said, his deep voice rumbling. Leaning down close to her ear, he whispered, "The first time I met you in my office - all business and prim and proper..."

Gabrielle let out a playful snort. "And now?" she countered with amusement, running her fingers down his chest and sending sparks flying.

"Now," Buck chuckled with desire, "you leave me breathless, wrapped in nothing but a sheet."

Amused by his words, Gabrielle teased back with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What are you implying, sir?"

He rolled over on top of her with gentle possession. "You are a contradiction, Brie," he murmured as he trailed kisses down her neck.

A contented sigh escaped Gabrielle's lips as she wrapped her arms around Buck and reveled in the warmth of their bodies pressed together. "Mhmm," she mumbled happily as his touch sent shivers down her spine.

"I could get used to this," he confessed, his hand tracing a slow path down her side and causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. "The future is ours to create," he replied huskily, pulling back slightly to search her gaze.

"What do you want, Buck?" Gabrielle met his gaze.

"You," he said simply before rolling over on his back and cradling her in his arms.

"You already have me," she whispered with conviction, snuggling closer and resting her hand possessively on his chest.

"I wouldn't mind a couple of kids running around the house," Buck mused.

A wide grin spread across Gabrielle's face. "I think we can work on that."

"What about you?" He asked, gently tracing circles on her bare arm with his thumb.

"Well," she began thoughtfully, "I'd like to live close to Violette. And since I adore your friends, the McClouds, I was thinking..." She paused with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "We could build a house on the bluffs on the north side of town."

Buck's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect," he agreed, pulling her closer. "But for now," he continued with a husky murmur, "we can discuss expanding our family right here."

Gabrielle's playful smile returned as she reached out and trailed her fingers down his back, sending shivers through him. "Perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad idea, Mr. Cross."

Chuckling deeply, Buck leaned down and brushed his lips against hers in a slow and teasing kiss. The ocean breeze wafted through the room, carrying the scent of salt and sun-warmed sand as they gave into their growing desire.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on their entwined figures. The promise of their future, filled with laughter, love, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet, hung heavy in the warm, summer breeze.