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The gentle rustling of the canopy above our cabana brings me back to the present. Here we are, surrounded by nature’s opulence, taking a break from the world. This trip, this moment, is a culmination of everything we’ve been through and everything we’ve become.
Austin murmurs something in his sleep, pulling me closer. I lean in, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. The love I feel for him is overwhelming, intense, and all-consuming.
‘You’re a million star flirt alert,“ I whisper, more to myself than him, thinking of our struggles, victories, and the beautiful uncertainty of what lies ahead.
As I close my eyes, the rhythmic sound of the ocean lulls me into deep relaxation.
Gratitude fills every fiber of my being.
Life has a funny way of leading us to where we’re meant to be, and right now, in this moment…
I’m in exactly the right place.
Epilogue
Austin
The rain from Seattle has given way to a driving snow storm as we drive toward Crystal Mountain.
With each passing mile, I get nervous. Beside me, Shay’s eyes are fixed on the notes for her supposed meeting with the resort executives. Little does she know, the entire premise is a ruse—a meticulously crafted plan with Zoey to give us this moment.
“I still think it’s odd Zoey wanted to meet here of all places.” Shay wrinkles her nose. “But then again, I’ve gone on and on about the Hungry Llama retreat. If having an event at the resort helps the foundation, I’m all in.”
“Oh, I’ve got a phenomenal feeling about this. I’m just glad to tag along.” The corner of my mouth twitches upward, hopefully betraying nothing of the surprise ahead.
We arrive at the resort, and its familiar visage pulls me back to when fate threw us together in the most unlikely of scenarios. We went from enemies to lovers within hours. Our accidental overnight stay in that dank ski patrol hut turned into the backdrop of our epic love story. My memory of making love to Shay all night is still vivid, punctuated by our laughter echoing in the frosty night and the warmth of our huddled bodies amidst snow-laden pines.
Tonight is going to be fucking epic.
“We’re running late. They’re most likely already up at the peak. We should head straight to the gondola.” Shay’s voice pulls me back to the present, her professionalism always at the forefront.
We walk the short path to the gondola hand in hand. Unlike last time, both of us are prepared for the cold. I wear fleece-lined jeans, snow boots, and a thick ski jacket, and I didn’t forget my gloves and hat. Shay is, of course, as stylish as they come in black snow pants and a bright-pink puffer coat, pink hat, black gloves, and scarf.
“Where is everyone?” Shay looks around. “This is weird.”
I shrug. “Dunno.”
Unbeknownst to Shay, I rented the entire resort out for her surprise.
I asked for her trust and she gave it to me. Now she gets her reward.
The hum of the gondola fills the air, but it’s the backdrop of Crystal Mountain and the silhouette of Mt. Rainier that steals the scene. Shay and I sit in silence. The ascent is breathtaking as the world unfolds below us. Pine trees stand tall like an army of guardians, and the white caps of the distant mountains play peek-a-boo through the drifting clouds.
As majestic as the view is, Shay’s sparkling eyes are what captivate me.
They have from the day I met her.
She chuckles softly. “Remember our first trip up this gondola? We may not have ridden up together, but think about how clueless we were about what awaited.”
“A night of confessions, a deserted hut, and the most intense romantic night of my life.” I kiss her softly. “It has been the best twist of fate ever.”
Our laughter fills the space, merging with the gondola’s rhythmic sway. The past and present blend seamlessly, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
At the top, Shay and I disembark from the gondola, our breaths visible in the cold mountain air. As the doors behind us close, the panorama of the resort comes to life in a magical way. It’s dusk, and the entire mountain top is blanketed in the soft embrace of twilight.
The resort has undergone a planned transformation, rendering it almost ethereal. Strategically placed lighting casts a warm glow on the snow, making it shimmer like a field of diamonds under the night sky.
“What’s this?” Shay murmurs in awe, her eyes wide as they trace the lighted trail snaking up to the little ski patrol hut. The path, illuminated with soft blue and white lights, looks like a river of stars flowing from the hut to where we stand below it.
