The smile on my lips grows. “They adore you.”
“Feeling’s mutual. And their mother? She’s one hot MILF.”
I snort. “Stop it.”
“Want me to show you when we get home?”
My heart leaps. We haven’t had sex since our wedding night. But he was patient, and it was the most amazing night of my life. Maybe I can relax enough to enjoy it.
“I want to try again.”
He presses a long kiss to my forehead. “That’s all I’m asking. Let me love you the way you should have been loved all along.”
After dinner, we go for a drive.
Without a licence, I’ve still not travelled far from home, and Caleb takes me along Marine Parade.
It’s different at night.
The beach is visible, but the sea is dark and disappears into the night.
It’s beautiful and haunting in a way.
The street is lit up, and we pass the fountain that’s a kaleidoscope of colours against the darkness.
I smile when we reach the Aquarium.
“That was such a special day,” I say. I turn my head to face Caleb. “Jason really loves you.”
“Feeling’s mutual. He’s a good kid.”
“They all love you.”
He glances at me and continues down to the end of Marine Parade where we can pull into the foreshore reserve and park.
“What are we doing now?” I ask.
“I’m keeping you to myself for a while long before I take you home.”
I unbuckle my seatbelt and grasp his arm. “I don’t mind.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Me? Why?”
Caleb holds out one arm, and I nestle in against his side. “When you came back, you were like a butterfly with broken wings.”
I raise my head to meet his gaze. “What do you mean?”
“When we were younger, you were so full of life and confidence. The woman I met again was a shell of her former self. But that’s changed. Your wings are growing back.”
“I’m not sure butterflies grow new wings.”
“You are. I see you shining all the time, and it’s blinding and beautiful.”
Tears well in my eyes.
“You are beautiful.”
