“While you were exploring.” He settled onto the blanket and held out his hand. “Come here.”
She kicked off her shoes and joined him, letting him pull her between his legs so her back was against his chest. The sky was massive out here, stars thick and bright in a way she’d never seen.
“Damn,” she whispered.
“Yeah, it’s beautiful out here.”
They didn’t talk for a while. Just sat there, his arms around her, her head resting against his shoulder. The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable. It was... full. Heavy with everything they weren’t saying.
“Thank you for this wonderful surprise,” she said finally.
His arms tightened around her. “I want you happy. I want you to stay. I gotta be on my shit.”
“I’m not used to it, but I liked trusting you in this way.” She turned her head to look at him, and whatever she saw in his face made her pause for a second. “You’re a good man, baby.”
His hand came up to cup her jaw. “You mean that?”
“Every word.”
“Dig that. You stuck with me.”
She should’ve felt scared. Should’ve wanted to pull back, protect herself, keep some distance. But instead, all she felt was relief.
“Good,” she said quietly.
They stayed out there until the temperature dropped and her teeth started chattering. Then he helped her up, dusted off her skirt, and walked her back to the villa with his arm around her shoulders.
“Tomorrow, I want to ride the horses at sunrise,” she said.
“No,” he said, setting her on the bed.
“Why?” she pouted, “I’ve never been on a horse.”
He smacked his lips, and she laughed. “Bullshit.”
“I’ve never been on a real horse,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“I know, baby, but the doc advises against it. I barely got her to agree that you could fly.” He pulled his shirt over his head, and she tried very hard to focus on his face. “This is your baby moon, and I need my babies to be alive and well when we leave.”
“Ohh, that’s why you’ve been talking to Dr. Khalifa behind my back.”
“You’re not gonna get trampled on my watch.” He came back to her, hands settling on her waist. “So yes.”
“That’s so sweet, baby. I guess I’ll allow it.”
He leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. “I got you, Ken. Always.”
“I love you.”
The words were out before she could stop them, but she would never tire of telling him.
His hands tightened on her waist, and he pulled back enough to look at her.
“Repeat that for me.”
Her heart was hammering, but she didn’t take it back. “I love you, Rolani.”
Relief and joy flooded his body, evident in his face. “I love you too, Kennedi.”
