He opened his arms to her. “Come find out.”
She stepped into his hold, with her back pressed to his chest. He held her and supported her against the waves. The shifting sands pulled them deeper into the water, but he held them steady.
He still couldn’t keep his hands off her. When he wasn’t stealing kisses from her, she stole them from him.He placed his lips on her temple and closed his eyes.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“Te amo,” she returned, nuzzling her head under his chin. “Do you wish to go back to the villa?”
“Not yet. Let me hold you like this a few minutes longer.”
“You can hold me for as long as you like.” Her arms covered his and she squeezed. “But hold me tighter.”
Matthew did as she asked. “I had a thought today…”
“Oh goodness.” He could hear the smirk in her voice. “What was it?”
“I’m not ready to return home yet. Why don’t we extend our honeymoon for another month?”
“What about our family?”
“They’re still in Bolderwood, I received a letter this morning. Cassandra and the baby are doing well. She can look after Caroline until we get back. Seth and Zeke have the factory under control. Nothing needs our attention.”
“Yes, I would love to stay.” She turned to face him, and placed her arms around his shoulders. “I’m happy here.”
“I’m happy too.” And he found that he meant it.
Matthew threaded his hands through Jasmine’s hair, and he kissed her—as deep and steady as the ocean they stood in. All he needed to do was take his wife to bed and love her until the sun rose again.
Everything else could wait.
