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"And I can't fucking wait."
Be still my heart.
James walks over and takes a seat next to me, then hands me a glass. He places the blanket over us and I pull up my knees and lean into his side. He wraps an arm around my shoulders. I can hear the bubbles fizzing as we tilt them toward each other to celebrate.
"To us."
Simple. I love it.
"To us," I repeat.
James and I toast, then we take sips.
"I can't believe we're getting married," I say excitedly.
"I think you're in shock."
I chuckle and James smiles. "I think you may be on to something." James gives me a knowing look. "So, when are we getting married?"
This time he laughs. "That's up to you and the kind of wedding we're going to have."
My eyes light up at the thought of our wedding. The gowns I get to try on… My lips curve into a smile. It's going to be so much fun dress shopping with Natalie.
I pucker my lips and think about a date. I say the first one off the top of my head. "I say we get married February 25th."
James's brows shoot up and he seems a bit overwhelmed now. "That soon?"
My brows furrow. I feel a pang in my heart over his response. "Now it's too soon?"
"No, it's whenever you want, sweetheart," he rushes to say. "I just didn't expect it, that's all. You said no every time. Want to elope tomorrow to Vegas? We can do that. It's whatever you want, whenever you want. Just tell me where to be. All I'm asking is to see you in a wedding dress."
The tension in my neck loosens. He's right. My eyes soften and I smile up at James. He returns the gesture and kisses my forehead.
"I'm really happy," I tell him softly, but it sounds like I'm talking to myself.
"I am too."
My cheek presses into his chest. Drawing in a breath, the burning fire blends seductively with the subtle scent of James's cologne. I exhale as bliss curls through me. The bergamot and lavender creates a cozy softness around my heart. I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
"You smell like cognac and Cubans," I tell him.
James studies me with a deep fondness in his eyes that moves me to snuggle closer to him. I gave my heart to a man thirty-plus years my senior, and it was the best decision I ever made. We went through a devastating heartbreak and nearly lost each other forever. We almost didn't make it here. Our love tested my friendship with Natalie. Through it all, I still wouldn't change a thing if it would mean changing this moment right now.
Age is just a number, and love truly does conquer all.
"I guess becoming a ritzy prostitute has its benefits after all."
Twenty-Seven
I hold the phone in front of my face waiting for Natalie to answer.
"What time is it in Italy?" I ask James.
"I think we're about six hours behind. So, it's probably early in the morning."
I glance at the time and my shoulders drop. "Natalie isn't a morning person. Damn. I really wanted—"
She picks up.
