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As I move above her, her body molding to mine and meeting every thrust, her moans spur me on while we cling to each other. She’s my lifeline and I’m hers. I didn’t think it would happen and I wasn’t ready for her to come along, but I’m damn glad she did.
She’s all curves and fire and I love every single inch of her. I’ll always rescue her when she’s stranded, and she’ll never be shipwrecked alone.
I pump my hips faster, needing to feel her clench my shaft as we come together. It doesn’t take long, both of us high on each other and the feeling of euphoria flowing between our connection. As our panting breaths mingle, we ride the wave of ecstasy.
I can see a future with her—one with our kids learning about the sea on this island that has always been home and will welcome our growing family. I just need to get my ring on her finger, but I’m not at all worried about it.
It’s just a matter of time now.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
BRISTOL
I’ve been living with Hayden for the last year, and it’s been the best year of my life. I love everything about the little slice of heaven that I’ve found. It’s more than being with the love of my life, it’s everything about this place. The place I’ve found within this community has given me a home and a purpose.
One of the best things I’ve discovered in the last year is my inspiration. I’ve started to sell my photos of Candy Cane Key to tourists and locals alike. City Hall even hired me to take pictures for the island’s website. Capturing moments of paradise has become my calling and I’m satisfied with my life now.
I’m no longer wondering if I’m headed down the right path. I know I am.
Hayden has been supportive throughout it all. He’s shown me places around the island I would have never found without him. He’s helped me and encouraged me.
I sometimes laugh because I remember the first time that I met him and him grunting, “You’re late.” Oh, how far we’ve come.
Soren was really understanding about me finding my own path. I was grateful as hell when he didn’t resent me leaving him without notice, but I suppose it helped that I worked remotely for him for a few months to make sure his new right hand was up to speed. He had done so much for me, and I didn’t want to leave him in a bind.
When I called Boone to tell him, I was nervous as hell. He barely even let me say hello before telling me, “You’ll be coming home soon, right? We’ve been missing you. I can’t wait to see you.”
I swallowed hard and found some courage. “I’m not coming back to Denver, big brother,” I whispered.
The silence on the other end of the line had my heart racing. Did he not hear me? Is he mad? Did I disappoint him?
I was a little surprised with his even tone, “What do you mean you aren’t coming back?”
“I mean,” I paused and just when I was about to chicken out or start to cry, Hayden wrapped his arms around me, “I’m staying in Candy Cane Key.”
“You found him, didn’t you?”
I stared into Hayden’s brown eyes as tears filled my own. “I found him, Boone. And it was just like it was with you and Melinda. We both just knew.”
“I’m so happy for you,” his voice was thick with emotion, “but I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll visit, and you can come down here. The family would love this place. It’s Christmas all year here, the water’s clear, and the beaches are beautiful.”
“You’ll have to come back when Melinda gives birth,” he insisted which got me a little choked up.
I had plans to be there when I became an aunt to ensure I became the best one ever. I was giving that up. Then I looked into Hayden’s eyes and realized I was gaining a lot as well; I was gaining everything.
I agreed to head that way as soon as Melinda went into labor, knowing full well that Hayden would come with me, and then I told Boone all about the place I would be calling home from now on. He was more than willing to help me get things packed up at my place and shipped to me. I didn’t have all that much and the big things were going to be put in storage until I could get back to Denver.
It felt good to have a plan, but a few tears still escaped as my heart said goodbye to what I thought my path was. I wasn’t regretting my choice, but it still made me a little sad. Hayden held me through my tears, his fingers running through my hair as he soothed me.
Boone’s solid presence comes up beside me as I stand in the middle of the Christmas in July Festival. He wraps his arm around my shoulders, and I lean into him. My eyes catch on the image of Melinda holding their son, Poe, with a big smile on her face.
He lets out a happy sigh. “Are you happy?”
I look over at my brother to find him looking at Melinda and the rest of the family who have come down for vacation, one they’ve been planning for the last year since I moved here. Since there wasn’t any warning about me leaving, I’m not at all surprised everyone is here to see me. I’ve been back to Denver a few times in the last year, but I know this is about everyone supporting me and my decisions.
