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I pull back instantly, and her closed lids flicker open as hurt dances across her confused features.
Clearing my throat, I plaster a smile onto my face and angle my head to the sky, simultaneously relieved and disgusted at the interruption.
Good timing, Ford!
Even so, I have to admit, part of me missed the dour fucker.
The chopper comes closer, and Rey twists about to watch as it descends slowly to the ground farther down the beach.
“Your wings are here, Sunshine.”
* * *
REYNA
I settle back in against the seat of the small chopper, my hands trembling slightly while a stoic-as-ever Ford, who’s left his trademark hat at home, lifts us into the air.
The rise is smoother than I’d have imagined, though the sound of the blades is overwhelming, even with the headset I’ve been equipped with.
“I’ve got you, Sunshine.”
Alex’s calm voice sounds in my ears, and I shoot him a grateful glance before I fixate my stare on my clenched fists resting on my lap.
I’m thankful for everything today—beyond thankful, really—but our almost kiss on the shoreline has sent me spiraling into deep confusion.
Alex has never been anything less than honest with me following the omission of the truth the day he proposed, and recently I’d begun to think he’d started to see me in a similar light as I see him.
A look here, a touch there. His honesty about finding me attractive.
And maybe that’sallit is. Maybe he just needs to blow off some steam.
Maybe our rule to not fuck other people isn’t working for him anymore.
The thought makes my stomach lurch so harshly that I feel like I might throw up.
His gentle hand lands on my twisting fingers, quelling my anxiety about riding in this helicopter while sending goosebumps scattering across every inch of my skin from his simple touch.
“We’re high enough, Ford.”
Alex’s firm voice echoes in my ears, and I shakily raise my eyes from our joined hands as Ford expertly handles the chopper, hovering precisely where instructed.
Alex shifts in his seat, and I meet his eyes, ignoring everything around us, focusing entirely on the comfort of his amber gaze.
“Rey.” He blows out a heavy breath as his brows draw together. “I have thought about this for a while now, andpersonally, it feels like full circle.However, the choice is yours.”
His eyes leave mine when he bends low to retrieve something from beneath our seat with his free hand, resurfacing a moment later with a wooden box covered with intricate carvings.
“Like you, when I read Mari’s book, I understood the importance of this place. It wasn’t until her personal effects were delivered from Sunrise Harbor that I realized what we could do for her. Forbothof them.”
He passes the box onto my lap, and I can immediately see now that the carvings are all seashells. “Did you know that Mari never scattered Thiago’s ashes?”
My breath catches in my throat on a gasp as I haltingly shake my head, running the tip of my index finger across the largest seashell on the lid of the box. My hand falters when I reach the opening, my intuition telling me precisely how special the contents of this box are.
Seeing my hesitation, Alex raises his hand and opens the clasp on the box. He lifts the lid to reveal two matching pewter urns with simple inscriptions.
Mariana Marquez
Forever in our Hearts
