Page 186 of Banter & Blushes

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hours later, as the sun set, Arwyn and I stood on the lighthouse deck, arms wrapped around each other. The only sound was that of the rhythmic crash of the waves—a perfect lullaby for the first night of our forever.

I turned to her. “Wynnie?”

“Yeah?”

“I still can’t believe you’re mine. You’re like this lighthouse, steady; a beam in the darkness, guiding me home. And I’m a tidal wave, restless and unpredictable. But somehow, we work. Standing here with you … It feels like we’ve been heading toward this moment forever, even if it’s only been a handful of months. You, me, the girls—it’s … everything.”

“Well, technically,” she teased, “I’m only officially yours as of today. Even though you stole my heart months ago.”

I chuckled. “Best day of my life, second only to the twins entering this world.” I bent my head toward hers until our foreheads were touching and whispered, “Here’s to forever, Wynna-bun. Whatever comes next, we’ve got it covered—together.”

Our lips met in a slow, tender kiss, and she pulled away too soon to echo my sentiment. “Together.” She kissed me again and then frowned, but her tone was light and teasing. “It’s so strange without the girls here to tuck into bed and read a story to. Whatever will we do with ourselves tonight?”

I played with a curl that had escaped from her updo. “Oh, I don’t know. I can think of a few things.”

“Hmm. Can’t collect berries or climb trees here. The time for a picnic lunch has passed. So I assume you have something else on your mind?” she teased, recalling my lines from the meadow.

“Maybe. Wanna cuddle on the couch? No kids or dogs to battle us for cushion space.”

“I like how you think.”

“Maybe a PG-13 movie?” I suggested.

“Scandalous.”

“Andthen…” I let my words trail off and flashed a mischievous grin.

“And then?” Arwyn’s eyes narrowed, challenging me to voice my thought.

I went for it. “You want to make a baby?”

She pulled my face down to hers and kissed me more firmly than ever before.

Taking that as an affirmative, I swept her into my arms and carried her across the deck and inside. Above, the beam from Crane’s Light swept the sea, a beacon for our future together.

Forever started tonight.

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