Out back there's a jacuzzi too. I already know exactly how tonight's going to go. Champagne, cold sea air, warm water, and my favourite girl tucked against me.
My eyes find themselves looking back over to Willow, still asleep in the passenger seat.
She turns twenty-one tomorrow. And I want it to be something she never forgets.
I’m also excited for her to see the room I plan on worshipping her body in.
First, I need to get her inside… and hopefully she doesn't rip my head off when she realises where we are.
I open the car door and pause for a moment, just looking at her.
Tiny freckles dust her cheeks and nose, with a few scattered across her forehead. I've always loved them. I love the pale tone of her skin, too, something she complains about sometimes because she can never tan.
I think it suits her.
Her long lashes rest against her cheeks, and for a second, I have the ridiculous urge to trace every inch of her face with my finger.
“Willow,” I croon, brushing her cheek. “We’re here.”
My other hand settles on her knee, giving it a light squeeze. She stirs at the touch, moving slightly before her eyes flutter open.
Green.
My favourite colour in the world.
The colour I want to stare at for the rest of my life.
She blinks a few times, still waking up, then stretches slowly like a cat.
“Where are we?” she asks tiredly.
Before I can answer, she leans forward slightly and looks past my shoulder. I watch her expression change as she takes in the lights, the decorated porch and the soft glow in the windows.
A smile spreads across her face.
“Who knew you could be so romantic?” she teases.
Then she turns her head, looking around properly this time, and I see the exact moment something clicks into place.
She knows.
Her eyes widen as recognition settles in.
“Elijah,” she whispers.
“Look. Before you kill me, or scream at me, or throw something at my head,” I start quickly, holding up a hand like that might somehow protect me, “I just wanted a romantic weekend with you for your birthday.”
The words start tumbling out faster the longer I talk.
“But I figured with it being your birthday, you deserved to be somewhere that actually means something to you. Somewhere you grew up.” I gesture vaguely toward the beach behind the lodge. “And maybe you might want to see your dad while we are here.”
I shrug a little, trying to keep my tone light even though my chest feels like it's about to combust.
“Not that I’m forcing you. At all. If it's too soon, we won't. This weekend's for you, Willow. Whatever you want to do, I’m in.”
Jesus. I’m rambling like a complete idiot.
Her eyes fill with tears before I can even attempt to recover, and for half a second, I brace myself for the worst.
