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“What about the kids?” I asked, glancing back toward the bedroom door.
“They’re fine. Besides, they’re having too much fun helping the cook with dinner.”
The cook.I wanted to laugh. This house really did have it all. A state-of-the-art security system, luxury SUV, cook, and housekeeper. And those were just a few of the amenities.
“Plus, they’re dying to watch a movie in the theater room.”
I laughed. “Sounds like they’ll be busy.”
“Mm.” He hummed. “You know who else will be busy…”
He smoothed his hands down my arms, and goose bumps dotted my skin. I was so attuned to him, so turned on by him, and I was eager for some alone time. That was one of the hardest parts about traveling as a family; Tristan and I were rarely ever alone except after the kids went to bed.
But now that we were in a swanky house with some help, well, things were definitely different.
“Are you hungry?” he rasped. “Would you like something to drink?”
I shook my head, arching back into him. “I only want you.”
He groaned and turned me to face him, sliding his hands up to cup my cheeks. The way he looked at me…I’d never felt more cherished or adored. “You’re so beautiful, Elle.”
Every day, he made sure I knew how much he loved me. And it was moments like this that I treasured. Small, quiet moments when it was just the two of us.
He claimed my mouth, kissing me with such passion and all-consuming need. And I felt that familiar ache building, urging me on. My body begging me for more. Now. Fast. All at once.
“Off.” I fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. “Want this off.”
“Not just yet,” he said, still panting.
I frowned. “Why not? As you pointed out, the kids will be busy until dinner at least.”
“Come here.” He grabbed my hand. “Come on.”
He led me farther onto the back deck overlooking the ocean. The waves crashed in the distance, the sun casting a pinkish hue over the sky. It was breathtaking.
Tristan stood behind me, caging my body against the railing with his. His hard-on dug into my back, and I wondered if he was prolonging the anticipation, as he often did. Driving us both wild.
“I could have all the money in the world, and yet it wouldn’t mean anything without you,” he said. “Nothing is worth more than these moments. Than this time we’ve had together and with the kids.”
“I agree.” I burrowed deeper into his arms. “I love you.”
“I love you.” He kissed my cheek then turned me to face him. “I’ve been waiting for Lockwood Industries to sell. I’ve been waiting to release that last piece of my old life so that we can start a new one—together.”
“Pretty sure this adventure qualifies as starting a new life together,” I joked.
“It does, but it’s more than that. Elle—” He pulled back and knelt down, opening a box to reveal a stunning pearl ring set in a band of diamonds.
“Oh my god,” I gasped, holding a hand to my mouth. Was this for real?
“Pearls are said to symbolize wisdom gained through experience. And you have made me a wiser man, a better man.”
“Tristan.” I smiled down at him, knowing exactly how he felt. Because every day, he encouraged me to be myself. He loved me just as I was. And we were both stronger because of it. It was one of the things I loved most about us.
Our relationship had been forged in tragedy, but we’d turned it into something positive. We loved harder and more deeply. Because we both knew that nothing was guaranteed, and we didn’t take our health or happiness for granted.
“A pearl also seemed fitting,” he continued. “Since they’re reminiscent of the moon, as well as a sign of new beginnings.”
“You clearly put a lot of thought into this,” I said, both impressed and touched.
