“It’s a map of my favorite places in Star Mountain. I’ve had it for years and add to it when I find some new place.” I shrug slightly, feeling vulnerable but open. “I want you to see the places that matter to me. The key is for my house. I’m going to relocate to Star Mountain, and I want you to move in with me.”

She looks at the map and key again, and then back at me, her eyes softening with affection. “You’re incredible, Cameron.”

I smile, my heart swelling with gratitude. “And I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”

Her eyes meet mine, and there’s no more hesitation between us. I lean forward, pressing a kiss to her lips—gentle, slow, and filled with everything I feel. When I pull back, she’s smiling, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

“Thank you,” she whispers, resting her forehead against mine. “For showing me that you’re serious. For showing me that you mean it. Of course, I’ll move in with you.”

“Thank you for giving me everything I’ve wanted,” I say firmly. “I’ll keep showing you, every day, for the rest of my life just how much I love you.”

Twelve

Epilogue

Cricket

The morning light spills gently through the windows, casting a warm, golden glow on the room as I wake up slowly. The quiet hum of the morning outside, the rustling of leaves from the trees surrounding our house, feels peaceful in a way I didn’t think was possible a year ago. I stretch my arms above my head, smiling softly as I feel the familiar weight of Cameron beside me.

I roll over to find him still asleep, his face relaxed and content, his arm draped across my side. I can’t help but watch him for a moment, my heart swelling with the quiet realization that everything has changed—and all for the better. It’s been a year since that whirlwind trip to Love Beach, a year since we finally opened up to each other, acknowledged our love, and committed to building a life together. I never could have imagined how quickly everything would fall into place.

I reach out gently, brushing my fingers through his hair, feeling the familiar warmth of his skin, the softness of the sheets we’ve shared countless nights in. A smile curves my lips as I feel him stir next to me.

“Morning,” he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep, his eyes opening slowly to meet mine. The smile he gives me is all love and softness.

“Good morning,” I reply, my voice thick with affection.

His hand reaches out to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of my jaw as he leans in to kiss me, slow and tender, as if he’s trying to savor every moment of our quiet mornings together. It’s the kind of kiss that speaks volumes, one that reminds me just how lucky I am to have him in my life.

“Are you ready for today?” he asks softly, his voice full of excitement and anticipation.

“I am,” I reply, leaning into him, letting the weight of his touch settle in my bones. A soft laugh escapes my lips as I bury my head into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath me.

I chuckle softly, feeling the deep sense of love and contentment that fills me whenever I’m near him. I was scared once, scared that I might lose him or that I was rushing into something that would end in heartbreak. But here we are, a year later, stronger and more in love than ever.

“I love you more than you’ll ever know,” he says, his words low and full of sincerity. “You’re everything to me, Cricket. I don’t think I could live without you now.”

I close my eyes, letting his words wash over me like a gentle wave. I feel safe in his arms, completely at home. A year ago, I was scared to love him, scared to trust him. But now, I can’t imagine my life without him.

“I love you too, Cameron,” I whisper back, my voice thick with emotion. “I never thought I’d feel this way, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else, with anyone else.”

His arms tighten around me, pulling me even closer as he kisses my temple, then my cheek, finally landing on my lips, slow and sweet.

“I’m glad you’re with me,” he murmurs against my lips. “Forever.”

I smile against his lips, feeling the warmth of his promise settle into my heart.

“Forever,” I agree, threading my fingers through his hair. “I never want to be without you.”

He smiles, the look in his eyes a perfect reflection of everything we’ve built together over the past year. “You won’t be. I’ll make sure of it.”

After a moment of quiet intimacy, he sits up, a grin spreading across his face. “Come on. We have a flight to catch. Our anniversary trip awaits.”

I stretch and groan, pretending to be annoyed, but I can’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. “Are you that excited to go to Ireland?”

“I’m excited to spend time with you,” he says, his voice full of affection. “I want to see you experience the world.”

I laugh softly, rolling out of bed and slipping into the clothes I laid out the night before. “I can’t wait to experience the world with you.”