Because it’s become my favorite color as I’ve watched sunset after sunset while in the arms of Noah Ashton.
“You just want to be able to boast about how amazing your husband is, huh?” He nuzzles my neck. “You can do that anyway, sweetheart. I don’t need a publishing house for my books. They’re gaining traction, and I make more money publishing independently anyway.”
“But your family is in the business,” I state.
He shrugs against me. “Maybe I’m a little like you. Want to pave my own path.”
I laugh as he starts tickling me, causing me to squirm before jumping into the ocean. The cool, salty water caresses me, but I still prefer Noah’s arms.
Breaking the surface, I realize he’s jumped in after me, and I swim to him, basking in the light of this untethered joy. “I love you, Noah. And I can’t wait to continue to fall in love with more of you with every day that passes. Until death do us part.”
Noah’s responding expression—the softness of his hazel irises, the crinkles in the corner of his eyes, and the one dimple on the left side of his untamed smile—tell me that I’ll never know another love like this.
It took all of five days, and I’m jumping off a metaphorical cliff with him.
Five days, and he’s so effectively rewired me to believe passionate love is not only real but that I’m also worthy of it. That instant love isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes, souls find solace in one another. And that is something beautiful and worth celebrating.
A simple work week, and I’m already thanking God for Ryan leaving me at that altar. His plans truly are higher; I will never understand how this came to be.
But understanding it doesn’t matter.
Because I will never go back to the woman I was before.
And it’s as clear as day that this teaching gig is over.
It’s time to tell my story.
One of an almost-kidnapping and a spirited awakening.
Speaking of, “Do you think they’ll finally catch the guy who tried to take me after we leave?” Though I do think about the creep occasionally, Noah has distracted me so well that I’ve hardly had time to be fearful. With him by my side, nothing or no one can touch me.
Noah’s face hardens. “I hope so. But I’ll be glad to have you back safe and sound.” He kisses my temple, black curls floppingagainst my eye as he presses his forehead against mine. “In my arms. Where you’ll forever stay.”
“Where do we want to honeymoon?” I trace the creases in the corner of his eye before dragging my finger down his cheek. “I’ve always wanted to travel to Alaska. One of my favorite singers, Fable Fox, is from Crescent Cove. She speaks highly of the place in her interviews. And I hear it’s magical.”
Noah hums against my lips. “Crescent Cove, Alaska, it is then. I’ve seen you in the sun. I’d like to see you in the snow.”
“I don’t do cold well,” I warn as I kiss the tip of his nose.
I hear the deep hum in his throat. “I’m banking on that, sweetheart.”
***
Noah and I spend the rest of the day leisurely packing, swapping story ideas, taking pictures, and participating in the occasional tickle sessions that turn into makeout sessions. Noah is always the one stopping us before things get out of hand, and I respect him all the more for it.
By the time the sun begins to lower, creating a golden path along the ocean, we’re packed and ready for our last sleep in Bora Bora.
But I’m not ready to sleep just yet.
“I’ve got a surprise for you. Bring your notebook.” After he picks up the black notebook from the table, I grab Noah’s hand and lead him out to the boardwalk connecting the bungalows over the water, including the one across from me that belongs to him. One he’s hardly set foot in since we’ve met.
Noah’s rich laugh sings to me from behind as I drag him until his long legs fall into pace with me. “Where are we going?”
I side-eye him. “Mr. Author. Do you not know the meaning of the word ‘surprise’?” He chuckles, shaking his head lightly andcausing those silky black curls to bounce.Oh, we are going to have beautiful babies.
“Do you want kids?” I ask, realizing I haven’t talked about that with him. There’s a lot we haven’t talked about, but that’s what counseling with a pastor is for. Though I know in my soul there’s nothing Noah and I can’t work through. We choose each other.
“Lots of them. A baseball team.”
