Epilogue
Paige
Two years later…
The last remains of sunlight wash over us.
We’re the last ones at the beach.
We were dancing, and then the music stopped. I thought we were going to play some more, but James took my hand and led me here.
We’re standing at the edge of the beach to where the caves take over and the sea looks like an abyss of Prussian blue.
This is the fifth time James has taken me to Sicily, and I can honestly say it’s been the most enjoyable time. On this trip, I met his whole family, and they met mine, which includes Mom and Megan. They’re both here.
This trip feels more special for some reason.
Life is actually perfect. Mom is better. She has her checkups we have to keep on top of, but that’s standard. I’ve started my second year of grad school and am on my way to becoming an attorney. James has been working for his father and he’s happier than when he was teaching at Raventhorne. The only downside is that when he travels, I don’t get to see him as much. But, my God, do we make up for it when we’re together.
We’ve been living together for close to two years and everyday has been amazing. He’s taken every opportunity to show me how much he loves me, and I do the same for him.
We’re standing together, and I’m watching the sunset. His eyes are on me though.
I turn to face him, and he gives me that sexy easy grin I first fell for. He reaches for my hand, and I beam up at him. Mischief flickers in his eyes.
“You look like you’re planning something, Mister.” I giggle and slip my arms around his neck.
“Maybe I am, Bellissima,” he answers with a chuckle.
“What are you up to?”
He slips out of my grasp, reaches into his back pocket, and pulls out a little velvet box.
My brain is slow to catch on what it is, or maybe it’s just that I can’t quite believe what my mind is telling me. Until I see what’s inside.
He flicks the box open, and the most beautiful engagement ring stares back at me, glistening against the oncoming night.
I look from him to the ring in disbelief.
“James… I…” My voice trails off as emotion sweep through me.
“When you meet at The Dark Odyssey, you get a silver coin. You give it to the person you’re going to spend the night with. I never got to give you mine because of how we met. Then I realized there were a lot of things I never got to do with you. But… I want the rest of forever to do everything.”
My heart squeezes, and my eyes well with tears of joy.
“So,” he adds and lowers to one knee. Holding out the ring to me, he takes my hand. “How about we play one more game? Except this one never ends. It’s an eternal game of fantasy because we have each other. In this game, we have to be married. Husband and wife. Will you marry me, Paige?”
“Yes… absolutely yes,” I gush. When he slips the ring on my finger, I feel so complete.
He stands and kisses me, and I feel like I have everything.
“Thank you for making me the happiest man alive, Bellissima,” he whispers against my lips.
“Thank you for being you,” I answer, and our lips find each other again.
Husband and wife…
I can’t wait to play this game.
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