It’s been almost twenty-four hours since I last saw her, and the sight hits me like a wave. My palms sweat. My mouth goes dry. My heart hammers so hard I feel it in my throat. She’s beautiful in a way that makes my chest ache—beautiful in a way that makes me realize I’m not just falling anymore.
I’m already there. I landed. Just like her Dad told me last night.
It should terrify me. Instead, it feels like the most obvious truth I’ve ever known. This is what people write songs and make movies about. This is what I used to roll my eyes at. And now I’d happily drown in it if it meant waking up next to her every morning.
The realization settles deep in my bones, like something clicking into place that I didn’t know was missing. I want her laughter in my mornings. I want her chaos in my quiet nights. I want her exactly as she is for the rest of my life.
Which is crazy because Ineverwanted any of this before I came to this island.
Relationships had never appealed to me. Not really. They always felt like distractions—temporary connections that demanded more energy than I was willing to give. I told myself I was focused, driven. That building the company and chasing the next goal were enough. That settling down was something Imightconsider one day, far in the future, when everything else was perfectly in order. But it was never on the cards.
Not until her.
Until Sienna spilled water on my lap on a plane and turned my entire life upside down with one unfiltered comment.
Now, forever doesn’t sound so terrifying.
It sounds like her.
I walk toward her, trying to keep my steps steady. She spots me, and her eyes light up as that bright, genuine smile spreads across her face. My knees feel weak, and my chest tightens.
“You look beautiful,” I say when I reach her, my voice quieter than I intended, a little rough around the edges.
She looks me up and down, biting her lower lip before meeting my gaze. “You don’t look too bad yourself—that’s a lie. You look fucking hot in a tux.”
I can’t stop the smile from tugging at my lips. “I have something for you.”
She tilts her head, curious. “You have something for me?”
I reach into the inside pocket of my tuxedo and pull out a small velvet box. Her eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise as I hand it to her.
“W-what is this?” she asks, looking down at it in shock.
“Open it.”
She does, and a soft gasp escapes her. Inside, a delicate diamond necklace sparkles against the dark velvet—a simple teardrop pendant surrounded by tiny stones, with matching diamond stud earrings nestled beside it.
“I saw these while I was picking up the ring,” I murmur, my voice low just for her. “They reminded me of you. Bright, beautiful, and impossible to look away from. I couldn’t leave the store without buying them too.”
Sienna’s breath catches, and her eyes shimmer as she looks from the jewelry to me. “You didn’t have to?—”
“I wanted to,” I step closer, gently lifting the necklace from the box. “May I?”
She nods, turns around, and lifts her curls with one hand. My fingers brush the warm skin of her neck as I fasten the clasp. The diamonds settle perfectly against her collarbone, catching the sunlight. I lean in and press a soft kiss just below her ear.
“Beautiful,” I whisper against her skin.
She closes her eyes for a second, leaning into the touch like she can’t help it. Then she lets out a breathless laugh and turns back to face me. “These are too much, Milo.”
“Nothing is ever too much for you,” I say, taking one earring and carefully sliding it into her ear, then the other. My thumb grazes her jaw with each one. Every touch feels electric. Every second stretches as if it’s meant to last forever.
When I’m done, I step back just enough to take her in. The diamonds sparkle against her baby-blue dress and her glowing skin, but it’s the way she’s looking at me that steals my breath.
Sienna reaches up, her fingers lightly brushing the necklace. “You didn’t have to…fuck. I’m at a loss for words right now. I feel like I’m going to cry. They’re beautiful, Milo. Thank you.”
Before either of us can say another word, the wedding coordinator claps her hands. “All right, everyone! Showtime! Groomsmen and bridesmaids, line up in pairs. Remember—slow steps, big smiles, no tripping! The bride is ready and radiant, so let’s make this perfect!”
Sienna slips her arm through mine, her fingers warm against my bicep, a slight tremble in them that matches the one in my chest.
