The anger, the doubts, the years I spent holding on to the resentment…they’re all faded away. None of it matters anymore.
We’ve owned our mistakes, and now we get to start fresh.
To choose each other again and live the life we were always meant to have.
He leans back, looking at me, deep and meaningful. “Our love was written in the stars long before we understood its meaning. The universe may have twisted our path, tested us in ways we never imagined, but in the end, it led us back together.” He takes my hand, lacing our fingers. “So yeah. We’re going to be more than okay.”
In that moment, pressed up against his body, with his beautiful words lingering, I remember what I’ve always known…no one else ever stood a chance.
The plane dips, and we begin our descent. Nate picks up our linked hands and kisses my fingertips. “Are you ready to start life together again?”
I hug him tightly, squeezing with all my might. “I can’t wait.”
26
Nate
“I’m excited.”Maddie vibrates in her seat next to me. “Where are we?”
“You’re excited but still don’t know where we’re going?” I lift a brow, barely holding back a laugh. “You really are easy to please, Maddie Grace Cunningham.”
She’s like a little kid in a candy shop.
“Wait.” She smashes her face into the window. “Are we in the Hamptons?”
“What gave it away? The Bridgehampton sign?”
“Ha. Ha. Actually, no. I drink Wölffer Rosé in the summer. We just passed the vineyard.” She turns to me, curious now. “So what are we doing here?”
“I never got to bring you out here back then,” I say. “And I might have one more surprise.”
Before I promise her anything, I check the weather.
The news said we’re in the middle of an unexpected heat wave, and I want to take advantage before my boat gets winterized.
A day on the water feels right.
My phone buzzes. I expect one of my brothers, but it’s a selfie from Benny instead.
Benny Boy: Stealing her.
Maddie leans closer, cooing. “She’s the most perfect angel.”
“She’ll be here tomorrow.”
Her eyes light up. “Really? How?”
“Richard, Harrison’s driver, is bringing out essential documents to one of his clients. He’ll drop off Skye for us.”
She bounces her shoulder excitedly, then her eyes are back on the outside, not that you see much; it’s pitch-black. “You need to cool it with the surprises. I’m going to get spoiled.”
“As if I didn’t spoil you every day we were together before today.”
She snorts. “You tried. But I stuck to my guns most of the time.” She looks over her shoulder, reaching over to rub my hand. “I always appreciated it, though.”
“I know. Always my stubborn girl.”
She shrugs, and when she turns back toward the window, I text my brothers.
