God does not guarantee us a life free of trouble but he does promise to be our refuge in the midst of the storm. — Unknown

A week had passed with tranquility living in the hearts of the Jaramillos and Davenports.

After the frightful clash with the Steelfortian officers and a quick escape, Paloma and Gael sped to the safety of the Davenports' house and the comfort of their families. The recounting of their encounter spread annoyance and fear into the hearts of their family members. Only after a lot of consoling did the matter end.

"It will soon be time to go," said a voice from behind the door.

"Okay, I will be down soon," Paloma replied.

"Don't be long." The footsteps faded away.

Paloma turned back to the mirror and grinned at her reflection. Her pastel maxi skirt fitted well with her beige tank top. After clipping on a pair of stud earrings her ensemble was completed and delight shimmered in her eyes.

She strutted out of the room with a spring in her steps. The floorboards creaked as she climbed down the stairs. A delicious aroma carried her to the kitchen where her mother and sisters were engrossed in preparing food for them and their special guests.

"Hello, everyone. How's it going?" She announced her presence and slipped in.

The women replied with positive replies and returned to their various tasks.

Paloma bit her lips as her eyes roamed around. Guilt gnawed at her for her lack of participation. "Is there anything I can help with?"

"No. Just sit and look pretty." Her mother tossed her a grin.

Paloma groaned. "I can't do that. I would feel useless." Her shoulders dropped.

Iris scoffed. "That's far from the truth. I believe you are the most useful person in this family."

Paloma blushed and shyness washed over her. "I didn't do anything. I just fulfilled my duty."

"That is something," Alexa replied with conviction visible in her voice. "I mean, if not for your perseverance El bosque curativo would have been destroyed."

"And the apothecary shop would have been near shutting down by now," Elena added.

"And I wouldn't have gotten a job with Ms. Lolita." Iris grinned.

Paloma's blush deepened and she shook her head. "I know I played a part in some of the good things that happened but please don't embarrass me and make me feel like I did a favor."

"Okay, fine, fine!" Elena chirped. "We won't do that. But always remember that you won't become useless just because you didn't contribute to some things. In a family, everyone has a part to play at certain times, understood?"

Paloma nodded and shared a smile with her mother. She offered a prayer of thanks for her family. They made her who she was and she would never forget that.

"Hmmm, something smells delicious in here," Salvador said and ambled in with searching eyes. "Aha, it's my favorite pie!" Delight shone in his eyes.

Alexa snorted. "A house might be on fire but you would not smell the smoke however, the aroma of apple pie can wake you up from a deep slumber."

Salvador produced a half grin. "I can say the same thing about you. A house might be on fire but you can sleep right through it."

Alexa huffed and turned back to the picnic basket she was arranging.

"Anyway, Mamà, can I have some pie?" Salvador asked and moved to the pie sitting on the countertop.

"No." Elena pulled him back. "We shall all have it after the meal."

Salvador groaned. "That would take hours. I can't wait that long."

Paloma chuckled in amusement as her younger brother stared at the pie with longing in his eyes.

"Don't be stubborn, Sal," Elena scolded. "In a couple of hours, you can have not one but two slices. But it has to be with everyone else."

"Fine. I better find something to distract myself until then." He pouted and slipped out.

The women turned to each other and laughed. The antics of the youngest member of the family never ceased to amuse them. Minutes passed with the women working to pack up the food.

"I believe we are all set!" Elena announced with a huge grin.

Two big picnic baskets sat on the countertop, packed full with dishes, plates, cutleries, cups, and everything they could possibly need.

"Well, I guess we should head out," Paloma said and carried one of the baskets before anyone else could.

"Yes, I am sure the Davenports are on their way," Elena said and wheeled herself to the door.

Alexa carried the other basket and the women sauntered out of the house to the car where the males of the family were waiting. After ensuring everything was in order, they began their journey.

The car zoomed down the highway and in a familiar direction. Soothing music filled the background while the family chatted amicably with each other. Several moments later, Timothy brought the car to a stop and the family filed out.

"Hmmm, it's been a while since we came here as a family," Alexa remarked as she looked around.

"Yeah, true. It's definitely good to be back here. I must catch a fish or two before we leave."

Paloma smiled at her father. "And I will join you. I haven't held a fishing rod in months."

Elena grinned. "Well, you guys can focus on the fish while I focus on the flowers. It's a nice time to decorate the house with beautiful wildflowers."

A smile graced Paloma's lips as she listened to her family plan what they would do. She put it in mind to join in whatever activities she could. The sound of an approaching car drew her attention and the attention of her family.

They swung around and watched Gael's familiar truck come into view. The truck skidded to a halt a few distances from their own car. Lolita and Ramona alighted first. Ramona carried a box and Lolita was armed with a small picnic basket.

The women greeted each other with a grin and a hug and they exchanged smiles with the males of the family. The eyes of the two Davenport ladies roamed around.

"Hmmm, I believe this is the most greenery I have seen in quite a while," Lolita produced a chuckle.

"Yeah, I don't think I have been out in the woods before. But this here fits the description Gael gives," Ramona said as she continues to look around.

At the mention of Gael, Paloma's eyes darted to Gael who had just reached the group. Paloma wondered what took him so long to exit the car. Their eyes connected and her heart skipped a beat. A week had gone without seeing and speaking to each other.

The last week was exceptionally busy for Paloma. With the sudden appearance of the flu in the neighborhood, Paloma had been called on by different families for treatment. On the other hand, with the government off their backs, Gael had slowly gone back to hunting. According to Elena's report, he was trying to make up for the previous days he couldn't hunt.

As she gazed at him, his incomplete confession flooded her mind and shyness washed over her. She coyly turned away from him and returned to the conversation going on between the two families.

"Now that everyone is here, I believe we should head to the picnic spot," Timothy said.

Everyone expressed agreement and Timothy led the way. However, they didn't take the normal route due to Elena's wheelchair. They passed the path with smooth ground, leaner trees, and less thorny plants.

Timothy inhaled. "Can you hear the sound of that?" He asked Ramona and Lolita.

They responded with a nod.

"It sounds like the rushing of water," Lolita said. "Is there a waterfall around?"

Timothy grinned. "No. The sound belongs to our Lago de la Paz."

"Ah," Lolita's face brightened. "The lake of peace. That's quite a unique name."

"Yes, it is. My family can testify that the lake has a soothing touch. Being around it eases one's troubles."

"That sounds lovely." Lolita grinned. "I am ready to experience its magical touch." She marched forward in the direction of the rushing sound.

The group reached a clearing and the lake came into view, looking as breathtaking as ever. They chose a spot a few meters from the lake. After assembling everything they needed, they gathered together on the big blanket placed on the grass.

Alexa rubbed her hands together and grinned. "So should we eat first or start the games?"

"Let's eat first," Salvador exclaimed and eyed the basket of food.

"No, no," Iris jumped in. "I suggest we have some games first. If we eat we might get too lazy to do anything else.

"Hmmm, true. You got a point. Personally, I am ready to get some fishing done." Timothy smirked.

Salvador groaned and pouted with his eyes glued to the basket of food.

"So, I guess it's been decided," Lolita remarked. "We have some games and then eat our meal."

Everyone agreed. Paloma watched and listened as they deliberated on what game to play. Her eyes darted left and connected with Ramona who was sitting beside her. As she gazed at her, a thought snuck into her mind and curiosity welled within her.

She leaned toward Ramona and whispered, "How did you solve the clause that said you should marry Mr. Ortega?"

Ramona smiled. "It wasn't so easy. Two days ago, I submitted my resignation letter to Mrs. Aleric. Of course, she didn't want to accept it. But after seeing my adamancy she relented and let me go."

A smile graced Paloma's lips. "I am happy that ended well. So what happened next?"

"Well, after I finished with Mrs. Aleric I visited Mr. Ortega and I told him the complete truth and declared that I didn't wish to marry him. Of course, he was upset but finally understood where I was coming from. However, he stated that he had grown quite fond of me and if I ever changed my mind he will gladly accept me." Ramona chuckled and amusement danced in her eyes.

Paloma digested her words and sent her a smile. "I am glad you are free of that burden. Although I find it quite fascinating that you have a guy out there waiting and probably hoping for you to share his affections." Mirth shone in her eyes.

"I know. It's quite intimidating, to say the least." Ramona shook her head. "But apparently I am not the only one who has a guy pining after them."

Paloma's brows wrinkled. "What do you mean?"

Ramona laughed and jerked her head to something behind Paloma. "My brother hasn't taken his eyes off you since we got here."

Paloma's heart flipped and a brush crept up her cheeks. She slowly turned to where Gael sat and their eyes connected. Nervousness filled Gael's eyes and he turned away from her gaze. Paloma stared at his side profile as she struggled to analyze what was running through his mind.

So deep in thought, she barely heard Ramona announce that she was going to join the games. When Paloma's trance ended, she found only herself and Gael seated while their families moving around making arrangements for the game they planned to play.

Talk to him, said a little voice.

No. What would I say?

What you have been hiding in your heart, the voice replied.

Paloma's inner battle continued but stopped abruptly when Gael suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Walk with me," he blurted and stretched out his hand.

Her eyes widened and a breath caught in her throat. However, she gingerly placed her hand in his and let him pull her to her feet. She wordlessly let him guide her a few meters from their families.

They stopped under a tree that provided shade from the shining sun.

A sense of Deja vu washed over Paloma as they faced each other and gazed deep into their eyes.

Gael cracked a nervous smile and cleared his throat. "So, here we are again," he chuckled. "However, this time I plan on completing what I couldn't last time." A determined glint gleamed in his eyes.

Paloma's heart lurched and her eyes bulged.

He stepped closer to her and smiled. "So Miss Paloma Jaramillo, the first time I met you, your passion to stop the deforestation drew me to you. But after meeting you repeatedly, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and everything about you made me fall in love with you. I didn't realize it until a week ago when it dawned on me that our partnership could end and we could go our separate ways or just remain as friends. I understood then that I didn't want us to go our separate ways or to be just friends." A shadow of a smile played on his lips.

"So what do you think of us continuing our partnership as life partners?" A grin bloomed on his lips and his eyes sparkled.

I would love that. She wanted to say but the words refused to come out. Her mouth opened and closed as different emotions coursed through her.

"I...uh..." she swallowed a lump and cleared her throat. "Um...I..."

"Wait a minute, Paloma," Gael cut her off. "You don't have to give me a response right now." He smiled. "I said what I said because it was necessary for me to."

Paloma nodded as she struggled to gather her thoughts and form her words. "I...want to give you a response now," she whispered. "Please just give me a few minutes."

Gael grinned. "You can have as much time as you need."

"Thank you," she murmured.

Moments later, she had gotten rein over her emotions and she was ready to pour out her heart. She heaved a sigh and gazed into the green eyes of Gael. Eyes that reminded her of the leaves on the forest trees.

"So... I may not be able to do it as good as you." Her lips curled into a humorous smile. "But Mr. Gael Davenport, the first time I met you signaled the beginning of blessings in my life. You kept my hope alive and you supported me when the need arose. I couldn't have gotten a better partner than you. So yes, I would like for us to be life partners. Because I know you would strive to be the best life partner." A toothed grin spread across her face.

Gael yelped with a huge grin and pulled Paloma into his arms. "I love you, Paloma, beyond words," he proclaimed through a smile.

Paloma's grin widened and she held him tighter. "I love you too," she declared with all the affection swelling within her.

After a few moments, the couple pulled back and stared at each other with all the love they felt shimmering in their eyes. Paloma's cheeks hurt from her unwavering huge grin but she couldn't bring herself to stop smiling.

Gael wore a wide grin and his happiness radiated all over his face. He wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned his forehead against her own. They stayed in that position and basked in the beauty of their love.

After minutes of soaking up all the warmth from each other, they let go and stared ahead with a smile. Hand in hand, they watched their families enjoy themselves with each other. The laughter of their family members filled their senses and their joy doubled.

Their eyes roamed around the forest and their smiles widened. El bosque curativo had served as the bedrock of their relationship. Protecting it from destruction brought them together. The towering trees served as a refuge from the wrath of their enemies. And it was there they declared their love.

Through the cracks in the cluster of trees, the sun streamed down and shone on Lago de la Paz and caused golden streaks to float on the surface of the water.

Their eyes drifted heavenward and they offered a prayer of thanks. Because somewhere beyond the white clouds and blue sky, an Almighty being reigned as a refuge over them.

                                The End

                              .★★★★

So there we have it guys.  This is the last chapter of The Refuge.  🎉

I hope it had a satisfying end?

It feels surreal that a year after I finished my first novel, I am completing my third novel😁

I couldn't do it without my father in heaven. His grace has been never-ending.

And the support and love of all my readers kept me going. Thank you and I love you all ❤

Special thanks to flamesword01
If not for him, the beautiful story of Paloma and Gael wouldn't have become a reality. I thank him for his sacrifice and the time he put into it. 💖

Now that everything has been said and done, what are your thoughts on the story? What did you like and didn't like about the story?

Don't hold back and feel the comments section with your opinions. I will be waiting for it.

And lastly, this is not goodbye.  It is said that the end of something is the beginning of something new.

So that means, that before the end of this month, I will be back with a new story.  A story I hope you all will love😁

So until next time,

I love you all 💖💖❤❤