Page 191 of My Only

“One of these days,” he mused, “we’re gonna have to capture her in a mason jar and spin the cap on real tight so she can’t escape this time.”

I laughed, pressing into his side, wrapping my arms around him.

“Nah,” I said in an undertone, watching Aunt Laurie and her boyfriend fade into the distance. “Getting older has taught me Aunt Laurie is a wildflower—you can’t capture her. You just admire her… then let her go, and miss her terribly after.”

I inhaled a deep breath, letting my words settle in my heart, knowing I’d see her soon… just like she said.

Hassani squeezed my hand. “Come on,” he said, guiding us toward our gate.

My spirits were already soaring after the road trip and Hassani’s surprise flight, but when we deplaned and followed a driver in a crisp black suit holding a sign with our last name, I felt like I was floating.

The entire drive to the villa, I had my head practically out the window, soaking up all the sights I was so happy to see again.

When the villa from our honeymoon came into view, my heart stopped.

As soon as the driver pulled up to the grand entrance, I was hit with a rush of memories.

Everything felt the same.

Stepping out of the black car.

Walking through the arched doorway.

The sprawling living room, the romantic bedroom, the daybed outside by the infinity pool.

I pressed a hand to my chest and sighed, taking it all in.

“I thought the only way I’d see this place again was in my dreams.”

Hassani came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, bending his knees to kiss my neck… lingering there.

The last time we were here, we’d woken up on that daybed by the pool, wrapped up in each other, watching the sunrise. I had no idea what life would hold for us when we left, but I knew one thing—as long as I had Hassani, I would be fine.

We popped a bottle of champagne and sank into the plush seating inside, our laughter filling the space as we recounted all the hilarious moments from the road trip.

“We have to do it again,” I said between sips, my face glowing from the warmth of the champagne.

“Already planning it.” Hassani winked.

As the sun dipped lower, we made our way to the beach, basking in the soft, golden light of our first evening back in Saint Lucia.

According to Hassani’s itinerary, the next few days would be packed—scuba diving, dining on the beach, a sunset cruise.

But tonight, we just wanted good food and an early night.

By the time we returned to the villa, I was ready to collapse into bed.

That was… until Hassani pulled out a small bottle of oil.

“Can I give you a massage?”

I turned, midway through pulling off my sundress, prepared to toss it over a chair for later retrieval.

“A massage?”

Hassani held up a sleek glass bottle of edible massage oil.

I burst into laughter.

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