Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
We held hands as we strolled along the streets, the atmosphere so different to what we were used to. The air was fresh and crisp from the ocean. Most people traveled by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. There were some scooters. The few cars around used the main road and parked, the passengers walking around the small town. It hummed with its own energy. People smiled and said hello. The aromas were pungent. Spices, flowers, food.
I stopped in front of a corner building. Sofia looked at it, confused.
“Great windows,” I explained. “For my gallery.”
“Your gallery?”
“Tourists love memories, Sofia. A painting of the area? They would sell like hot pies.”
She glanced at me, a smile tugging on her lips. “Cakes, Egan. Hot cakes.”
I frowned. “That makes no sense. Hot pie is delicious. Hot cakes? Not so much.”
She laughed, and I kissed the end of her nose, loving the sound. I continued.
“This is the perfect place to display them. I could add some local art as well.” I paused. “Did you know Gianna started painting? She showed me some of her canvases. They are incredible. I could sell them for her. Let her have her own identity, yet she can remain private. She needs that.”
I recalled the way her eyes lit up when I asked her. Saw the cautious hope. The smile she exchanged with her husband.
“Tally does beautiful charcoals. I saw some in their house.”
“I know. I plan to talk to her as well.”
She met my eyes. “Is that enough for you?” she asked.
I laughed because she knew me so well. I indicated the building across the street. “A gym right there would be great. Small, but top-notch machines, amazing staff. Day memberships available. Tourists who need to work off the extra calories. A place the guys can come sweat.” I winked. “They are getting a bit soft. I need to tune them up again. Especially Marcus.”
Sofia laughed.
“I could employ locals for both places. Warren and Angelica could come for a visit. I bet we could find florals and spices here to make a new exotic line. I can still fly to Canada and work on other fragrances with them on occasion. You can come with me if you want. We can still connect to our lives there.”
“Sounds as if you have it all planned.”
“I will stay busy until we have babies for me to care for,” I said.
She blinked, startled.
“I am ready whenever you are, Sofia.”
“I think you might be getting ahead of yourself.”
I shrugged. “Just giving you all the information.” I took her hand. “I have one more thing to show you.”
We walked another block, and I stopped, indicating the large building. “The hospital and clinic.”
The place bustled, the line for the clinic long. “They are short on qualified doctors, Sofia. You would make a huge difference here. And I would support you. Fully.”
“This is so much to take in.”
“I know. You think about it and decide what you want.”
We walked around a bit more. Picked up some items from the market. We loaded up the boat and headed back to the island.
I moored the boat and held out my hand for Sofia to help her to the dock. She tilted her head, studying me. “What if I wanted one more thing, Egan?”
“Then you could have it.”
“Would you marry me?”
It was my turn to blink. “Marry you?”
“Yes. I want to move here. Do everything you planned. Have your babies. As your wife.”
I jumped onto the boat and pulled her into my arms. I kissed her, pouring all the love, joy, and passion she brought forth into that kiss.
“Yes, iubirea mea. Yes.”
She smiled. “Mio guerriero.”
I started the boat again.
“What are you doing?”
“We’re going for rings.”
“Now?”
“Now. And going to find the local church and set a date. Tomorrow works for me.”
She snuggled into my side. “I need a few days.”
“Okay. Next week.”
She laughed quietly. “Next week.”
The sun setting cast a myriad of colors on the water and the sand. I had never seen such brilliance.
I had never known such happiness. All due to the woman standing in front of me.
My Sofia.
She wore a creamy-colored dress, the lace of it lovely against her sun-kissed skin. Her long hair was down, hanging in waves around her shoulders and drifting across the skin of her back. The earrings I had given her glinted in her ears. She wore the yellow diamond ring I had slid on to her finger, and soon the matching band would be added, marking her as completely taken.
Completely mine.
Our friends surrounded us, and the ceremony was simple and fast. I slid her band on her finger and held out my hand to receive the heavy, thick band she had picked for me. The weight felt right on my finger, and I swore never to remove it.
I vowed to love her until my dying breath and beyond. It was a vow I would keep.