A ball of words lodge in the back of my throat. The three words I long to say are stuck there, jumbled with other unspoken declarations. All I manage to cough up is, “I got your note.”
He nods, rocking back on his heels. “Good.”
“You’d already left by the time I read it.” I stare into his ocean-blue eyes, pulling me deeper into his soul the longer I gaze into them. I place my palms on his chest, over the white shirt that shows off the outline of his ink through the thin cotton.
He leans into my touch, inhaling with a low grumble from his lips as if in pain at being near me.
I’m like the turtle, using a magnetic field that pulls me back to Finn. I thought I could move on, but seeing him again and knowing that he’s still there for me, it’s clear now that there’s no escaping this man.
Reaching up on my tiptoes, finally finding the right words, I whisper in his ear, “I’ve missed you.”
His hands slide around my waist, over the bare skin between my shorts and my knotted t-shirt. “I’ve missed you too, turtle girl.”
“All this time, you’ve been selling your paintings anddepositing the money into the Save Our Seas account.” More tears drip onto my cheek.
He cups my face, wiping the tears away. “The turtle carries the world on its back like you carry the weight of the ocean. I want to take some of that weight and ease your burden. You don’t have to fight alone.”
He knows I needed the money to fight the battle with his father. If he’s willing to sacrifice his relationship with his own family for me and my cause, I should sacrifice something, too. Although I have nothing to offer but myself.
“Stay.” I pant out the word with a trembling breath.
His mouth parts, his heart beating wildly beneath my palms. “What was that?”
“I want you to stay.” I swallow the thick air between us. My body trembles as I beg him to stay. “Stay with me, Finn.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” His lips crash to mine as waves of emotions wash over me. His arms wrap around me like a safety net, holding me upright.
I kiss him back, my tongue licking his in soft soothing strokes, feeling all the love he still has for me. It’s as if we’ve never been apart, yet we’re both different people than we were months ago. Both changed for the better because of each other.
He pulls away to gaze into my eyes. “Is this real? I've dreamt of this moment so many times.”
“It's real. What else have you dreamt of?”
“I couldn't possibly say out loud.”
“You'll have to show me then.” I press my lips to his once more, losing myself in his warmth. I don’t know what the future holds for the beach or for us, but like the turtle’s teachings of patience and resilience, I know that we’re stronger together and love will conquer all.
EPILOGUE
FINN
“More champagne?” I lift the bottle from the picnic basket and offer it to Shelly. The setting sun shining on her empty glass creates a rainbow on her beautiful freckled face underneath her straw hat.
“I’m good, thank you.” She gives me her glass and I place it in the basket, then lie back down on the beach blanket. At the top of the sand dunes, beyond the turtle nests and away from the beach and holidaymakers, it’s peaceful.
Shelly takes off her hat and snuggles at my side, her head using my chest for a pillow. My fingers lazily graze her arm, sliding under the sleeve of herkeep the sea plastic-freeslogan t-shirt.
“The view here is beautiful, don’t you think?” she says before her eyes drift closed as she sighs.
I didn’t miss the worry in her voice that this may be the last time we get to enjoy this sunset from our spot. Theorange, yellow, and pink hues that paint the sky this time of night certainly are mesmerising, but they have nothing on the beauty of my girl.
I catch her scent as her blonde curls blow in the breeze, tickling my face. This simple life with her is all I want for the rest of my days.
A smile curls my lips. I draw the line at living in a camper. Even though Shelly’s tried on more than one occasion to convince me of the positives and freedom living in a camper brings, there’s just no way I can stand it long-term.
One night or a weekend is enough for me, preferring the comforts of my rental. But in the near future, I plan on giving us both a permanent home where we can watch this sunset together every night.
“This would make a nice porch area, don’t you think?” I kiss the top of her head, mulling over my plans for the land. “A wraparound porch with a swing for the kids.”
