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With a deeper breath, I continue, “It's just... sometimes, even the smallest changes can make a big difference, you know? I'm glad you decided to keep the lights off tonight. It shows that change is possible, and it gives me hope for the marina's future.”

As I speak, I can't help but wonder if my words have an impact on him and if he's truly beginning to understand the importanceof this cause beyond the confines of our interview. And deep down, a part of me hopes that he does, for the sake of the sea turtles and for the connection that seems to be growing between us.

Alex's hand gently finds mine in the dim moonlight, our fingers entwining like fate guiding us together. As he looks into my eyes, I see a flicker of something more profound, something that makes my heart skip a beat.

“Emily,” he begins, his voice soft and genuine, “I want to thank you for showing me this side of things. Sometimes, I get so caught up in my own world that I forget about the bigger picture. But I want you to know I did this for you, for the promises I made…for you. I wanted to make you happy and show you what you mean to me.”

His words resonate with me, and I just can't seem to think straight when I'm with him like this. He's older and has seen more of the world, lived a life far different from mine, and I find myself drawn to his charisma.

But most importantly, I know the time is nearing to address the truth that I'm carrying his child, a precious secret known only to me.

My mind becomes a battleground.

But the growing affection I'm developing for him is real, and I've got to somehow make this work.

As I wrestle with my thoughts, Alex notices my unease.

He turns toward me, his eyes filled with concern, and asks gently, “Emily, is something wrong?” His voice is soft, and there's a warmth in his gaze that makes it clear he truly cares about me.

I hesitate for a moment. The truth is it's a lot to process, and it's left me feeling conflicted and guarded.

Finally, I manage to find my voice, though it trembles slightly as I respond, “It's just... everything, Alex. It's all so complicated, and I don't know how to make sense of it.”

I’m pregnant with your baby!!!

My words hang in the air, carrying the weight of my uncertainty and the unspoken feelings between us.

I finally muster the courage to address one of the many complexities that hang between us like an invisible veil… because I still can’t find the courage to tell him he is going to be a baby daddy.

The age gap.

I look up to him, my eyes reflecting my concerns, and I say, “Alex, I've been thinking about the fact that you're older than me, more experienced… It's a lot to grapple with.”

Alex meets my gaze with unwavering attention, a warm reassurance in his eyes. He leans in slightly, his voice tender as he replies, “Emily, the age difference means nothing to me.”

He steps closer to me and puts his hand over mine on the railing. The sea breeze drifts through my hair as he continues, “What matters is the connection we share and the way you make me feel. You bring a sense of happiness and excitement into my life that I haven't experienced in a long time. Age is just a number, and it doesn't define what we have.”

His words start to melt away my reservations, and a faint smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Alex's sincerity and the way he looks at me begin to chip away at the barriers I'd built. It's a reminder that maybe—just maybe—there's something truly extraordinary about what we've found together.

Now, I consider the next layer of concern, the fact that Alex is my brother's best friend. “Alex, there's also Chris to think about. He's my brother, and I don't know how he'd react if he found out about us.”

Alex takes a deep breath, his brow furrowing as he ponders the situation. After a moment, he nods in understanding and reluctantly agrees, “You're right, Emily. We should keep our relationship a secret for now. We don't want to complicate things further—until we're ready to tell him. We can take things day by day.”

While it's not the ideal solution, I'm grateful that he's willing to consider my worries and be discreet about us, at least for the time being.

Alex gazes into my eyes, his expression filled with sincerity. "Emily, what matters is the connection we have… the affection I feel for you and the way you make me feel."

His words linger in the air, and at that moment, any reservations I'd had started to fade away. The moonlight casts a gentle glow on us, creating an intimate ambiance. Slowly, he leans in, and our lips meet in a kiss. His touch is both romantic and passionate.

And I just let myself be carried away by the warmth of his affection, my worries momentarily forgotten.

Chapter twenty-four

Alex

Kissing Emily under the moonlight is an experience unlike any other. As our lips meet, I can feel the warmth of her breath, the softness of her skin, and the electricity that courses through both of us. The world around us seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us in our own little universe.

There's a sweetness in the kiss, a blend of tenderness and desire that ignites a fire within me. It's as if our souls are entwined in that moment, and all the complications and worries that once clouded my mind are swept away. I savor the taste of her lips, the way she responds to my every move and the way her presence makes me feel alive. I want to protect her…cherish her. I’ve never felt this way about a woman before.

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