“Well,” I say, still perched on Martin’s lap, “I guess we should probably get out of your car now, huh?”
The driver winks at us. “Unless you two lovebirds want me to take you somewhere?”
I grin down at Martin. “You going anywhere, my love?”
“Never,” he says, his green eyes twinkling. “Never again.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Jesse
Ishift in my seat as the Uber weaves through the late afternoon traffic, my knee bouncing with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. After a grueling week of meetings, I'm finally headed home to Encinitas—and more importantly, to Martin. I can't wait to see him.
Digging my phone out of my pocket, I quickly tap out a text.
Me: Just left the airport. Be home soon, love.
His reply is almost instantaneous, making me smile.
Martin: Just drop your bags at home and meet me at Moonlight instead.
I raise an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. Moonlight Beach is still our favorite spot, the place we take our nightly walks together to watch the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of oranges and reds.
Me: Everything okay?
Martin: Everything's perfect. Just thought we could take an evening stroll before heading back. I've missed you.
A warmth blooms in my chest. God, I've missed him too—his laugh, his sarcasm, the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles. This past week apart has seemed long. It's the longest we've been apart from each other since we officially decided to be together six months ago.
Me: Sounds amazing. I'll see you soon.
Pocketing my phone, I lean back and gaze out the window, watching the familiar sights pass by. My body may be drained from long flights and endless meetings, but my heart is light with anticipation of seeing my love.
These last six months of living together have been the happiest of my life. After the pain of my divorce and the initial fear of opening myself up again, Martin helped me rediscover joy, passion, and the courage to love wholeheartedly. He's become my safe harbor, my best friend, my everything.
I can't wait to see him.
After a short pit-stop at the house so I can ditch my suitcase inside, the Uber pulls up along the beachfront, and I quickly thank my driver before hopping out. The salty ocean breeze caresses my face as I start down the path.
My eyes immediately find Martin sitting on our favorite rock, just beside the main lifeguard office. The setting sun bathes him in a warm, golden glow, as he gazes out at the endless waves rolling in, and my breath catches at how beautiful he looks.
As if sensing my presence, he turns and meets my stare. A slow smile spreads across his face, crinkling those laugh lines I love so much. Rising from the bench, he opens his arms to me.
I break into a jog, the week's tension melting away with each step.
I pull him flush against me, breathing him in—that warm, earthy scent that's uniquely his. "God, I missed you so much," I murmur into the crook of his neck, my lips brushing his skin.
He shivers in my embrace. "Not half as much as I missed you, love." His fingers thread through my hair, sending tingles down my spine.
We stand there for endless moments, just holding each other close, our hearts beating in sync. The crashing of the waves fades into the background as I lose myself in the solidity of his arms around me, the comforting familiarity of his touch.
After so many years of closing myself off, of putting up walls to guard my battered heart, Martin broke through every one of my defenses. He saw me at my most vulnerable and loved me anyway. With him, I don't have to hide or pretend - I can simply be myself, flaws and all.
Pulling back, I gaze into those warm brown eyes that never fail to take my breath away. "I love you," I whisper, meaning it with every fiber of my being. "You've made me happier than I ever dreamed possible."
Martin's eyes shine with tenderness and a hint of mischief. "I love you too, mo ghrá." His lips quirk. "But as much as I'd love to ravish you right here on this beach, I've a surprise first."
