Momentous. That’s what this is. One day I’ll look back on this very second, this tiny blip in time when we decided our future.
“Yes.” I nod so vigorously my hair tickles my cheeks. I’m laughing and crying. This is our fresh start. We made it through.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy.
Gabriel has recommitted to our life. He has left behind what hurts him, and us. He has chosen me.
I watched him decline a mimosa on the plane and a fruity welcome drink when we arrived here.
Everything is good.
So good.
Smooth sailing, from here on out.
Gabriel kisses me. “Best. Trip. Ever.”
CHAPTER 19
Three daysof island life have me convinced I want to stay here forever.
We’ve sat in the mineral baths, hiked the volcano, and filled my phone’s camera with photos of the Pitons. We’re surrounded by towering green trees and vibrant flowers. The paths are made of stone and colorful rocks, and they shine in the daytime.
I eat exotic fruit sorbet from hollowed out coconuts, and because we’re all-inclusive I don’t feel bad when I order the gazpacho and dislike it.
We sit by the infinity pool and read. Gabriel bought a book at the airport and is making his way through it. I packed four books, and I’m starting on the third. I plan to leave all four behind in the small library in the common area.
We’re at the beach today, snuggled up on a two-person daybed under a cabana. Gabriel lazily traces a finger over my stomach, parallel to the top of my bikini bottom. My eyes are closed, letting the sun’s warmth and Gabriel’s touch wash over me.
“I wonder if there’s already a baby in here,” Gabriel murmurs, retracing the line his finger drew. “Maybe the cells are already dividing.”
“I’m not sure it works that quickly.” I open my eyes and take in the hopeful sparkle in his eyes, the upturned corners of his mouth. Laying my hand over his on my stomach, I say, “But if there is, and she’s a girl, we can name her Lucy, after where we made her.”
“I love that.” Gabriel kisses my temple. “I guess it’s a good thing we didn’t make her in Istanbul. Or Antarctica.”
I laugh. “Listen to us talking about Lucy as if she’s real.”
Gabriel palms my belly and playfully narrows his eyes. “Don’t talk about my daughter like that.”
“You’re already protective of her. I love that.”
“I’d burn down the world for her.”
I laugh louder this time. “You’re supposed to be the one who puts out the fires.”
Gabriel grins. “Figure of speech.”
“I love you so much. If we don’t make Lucy on this trip, it’s going to be fun trying.”
Gabriel nips at my earlobe, and I shiver despite the sun shining on me. “I’m nothing if not determined.”
Ringing comes from inside my straw tote bag. I groan. “I thought our phones were turned to silent.” I turn away from Gabriel to reach into my bag.
“I thought so, too,” Gabriel says when I hand him his phone.
He presses the button on his screen. “Hey, Mom.”
I look out at the water, trying to push away my irritation that our island paradise bubble has been infiltrated.
