Page 175 of My Only

I ran up and jumped into his arms. “I love you.”

He hollered a laugh and tightened his grip on me.

“I thought you were gonna have me out here roughing it.”

“Aw, come on now.” He leaned in and kissed me. “I wouldn’t do that. Not when I’m planning to make this the best trip ever.”

And it had been.

Seven days on the road, and it hadn’t felt like it.

Every day, we moved from one city to the next.

Our first stop was The Catskill Mountains. We parked near a waterfall, grilled dinner over an open flame, roasted marshmallows, and I captured every moment on my camera.

The next day, we drove two and a half hours to Lake George and stayed in a lakeside lodge. The lodge was cabin-style, with a private dock overlooking the lake.

I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life.

Later that night, we soaked in the hot tub, steam rising into the evening air as the lake stretched out before us.

We only stayed for a day, but before we left, Hassani had a surprise planned—a couples’ massage he’d booked ahead of time.

That next afternoon, he was brave enough to try pineapple pizza for the first time.

Hassani stared down at the six-inch personal pizza in front of him.

We were at a quaint little café, tucked away in a small town straight out of a postcard.

The kind of place that looked exactly like the logo on a camping gear brand—rustic, charming, smelled like heaven.

It was a beautiful day, not too hot, so we sat outside at a wooden table, ready to eat.

I knew I was ready.

I lifted my slice of pineapple and ham pizza and took a bite—my eyes widening, then closing as the sweet and savory mix lit up my taste buds.

I glanced at Hassani and couldn’t help but giggle.

“What are you waiting for?” I asked, my mouth still full.

Hassani had told me he’d try my favorite pizza, something he’d avoided his entire life.

He wanted to see why I loved it so much.

He leaned forward… and smelled it.

I laughed even harder. “It’s good, baby.”

“I can’t believe you’re about to have me eat this right now.”

“You don’t hate pineapples anymore.”

“I don’t.”

“It’s like your favorite fruit now.”

He winked. “Thanks to you.”

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