Page 59 of Captured By Fate

After the show, we wander into a jazz club, the smooth melodies providing a perfect backdrop for our continued celebration. We dance slowly, the world fading away as we lose ourselves in the music and each other.

As the night winds down, we find ourselves back on the Strip, the city still buzzing with life. We ride the roller coaster at New York-New York, the adrenaline rush a fitting end to our exhilarating day. With windblown hair and exhilarated smiles, we finally head back to our hotel.

In our suite, we kick off our shoes and collapse onto the bed, exhausted but blissfully happy. Kelley snuggles into my arms, and I hold her close, feeling the steady beat of her heart against mine.

With a million-dollar win and a spontaneous Vegas wedding behind us, the sky's the limit. And I can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us.

37

KELLEY

While the wedding in Vegas was an exciting and fun experience, and exactly what I wanted, it was also very sub par in terms of extravagance.

Not that I’m complaining. I had the time of my life with my husband. I’d never been to Las Vegas, and if you ask me, it’s definitely worth the hype.

However, for my honeymoon, I wanted a lot more than subpar. I wanted beaches, sand, the ocean, and salty air. I wanted drinks under umbrellas and I wanted to make love to my husband on a tropical island.

So, we decided on Fiji.

Every morning the soft rustle of palm leaves and the gentle lap of waves against the shore greet me as I open my eyes. Today, sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

Jackson is still asleep beside me, his face relaxed and peaceful. I take a moment to savor the sight of him, feeling a rush of love and gratitude. We're in Fiji, starting our honeymoon in paradise.

I slip out of bed quietly, not wanting to wake him, and step onto the deck of our overwater bungalow. The view takes my breath away: crystal-clear turquoise waters stretching out to meet the horizon, and the vibrant coral reef visible just below. The air is warm and fragrant, filled with the scent of tropical flowers.

Jackson stirs and joins me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. "Good morning," he murmurs, his voice still husky from sleep.

"Good morning," I reply, leaning back into him. "Can you believe we're really here?"

He kisses my shoulder, and I can feel his smile against my skin.

A path of flickering torches leads to a table set for two, surrounded by lanterns and flowers. The sky is painted in shades of pink and orange, and the sound of the waves adds a perfect soundtrack to the scene.

Dinner is a sumptuous feast of fresh seafood and local delicacies, each dish more delicious than the last. We toast with champagne, savoring the moment and the incredible journey that brought us here.

"To us," Jackson says, his eyes shining with love and happiness.

"To us," I echo, clinking my glass against his.

After dinner, we take a moonlit walk along the beach, the sand cool beneath our feet. The stars are brilliant overhead, and we pause to lie on the sand, holding hands and gazing up at the night sky. It's a moment of perfect serenity, and I can't imagine being anywhere else or with anyone else.

As we make our way back to our bungalow, I feel a sense of excitement for the days ahead. We've planned scuba diving, island hopping, and even a visit to a traditional Fijian village. Each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories.

Back in our bungalow, we fall into bed, exhausted but blissfully happy. Jackson pulls me close, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“You’re amazing,” I murmur, marveling over the fact that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man.

“So are you,” he says, running a hand up and down my skin.

I shiver under his touch, just like I always do. Just like I always will.

"This feels like a dream," I say softly, leaning my head on Jackson’s shoulder.

"It really does," he agrees, wrapping an arm around me. "I never want this to end.”

"Today was perfect," I whisper, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

"It was," he agrees, kissing the top of my head. "And it's just the beginning."

THE END.

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