Dennis readily agrees, happy to know someone in his new home. As he drives away, I can't help but tease Aaron,

"Should I be worried about the competition?"

Aaron's laugh fills the air as he pulls me closer, his arm tight around me.

"There's no competition, Chloe," he assures me, "There never was."

Aaron and I are caught up in a passionate kiss when a sudden cough interrupts us. Breaking apart, we turn to face the owner of the voice. A tall man covered in tattoos stands in front of the car shop, eyeing us suspiciously.

"Lost?" he asks, his voice gruff.

Aaron recovers quickly, explaining the situation with the truck. The suspicion in the man's eyes fades as he listens, replaced by understanding.

"Name's Jack. I own the place," he says, smiling now, "I can help, but my assistant hasn't shown up yet, and I can't leave the shop alone. Come back in an hour?"

"Thank you!" Aaron replies, shaking his hand.

I echo his thanks, and we turn to leave.

A few steps from the shop, I turn to Aaron, "What now?"

With a grin that lights up his eyes, he says, "The world's our oyster now, Chloe. But first, let's get you something to eat. You pick the place. You know our town better than me."

A smirk tugs at my lips as I turn to him.

"I know just the place," I tell him, "Home."

Aaron looks taken aback but recovers quickly.

"Are you sure?" he asks.

"Yes," I reply, meeting his eyes, "We're ten years late. I don't want to waste any more time. And breakfast isn't the only thing I need right now."

I watch as he gulps, his eyes darkening with desire. "You're perfect, Chloe," he tells me, "Can't wait to build a life with you."

"Today is the first day of that life," I say, reaching for his hand.

We walk hand in hand, our gazes meeting in a shared understanding.

It took us a long time to get here, but now we both know that we are right for each other. It's a new day - a new chapter in our lives.

Epilogue - Aaron

Paris, the city of love. It's everything Chloe, and I ever dreamed of. The Eiffel Tower looms tall against the blue backdrop of the sky, and its sight alone fills my heart with emotions I can’t quite explain.

"Liam," I call out to my best friend, who's standing a little away, his eyes locked on the monument's beauty.

"Can you take a picture of Chloe, Jamie, and me in front of the tower?"

Liam turns, a grin spreading across his face.

"Of course, mate."

I hand him our camera, its weight familiar, the countless memories we've captured with it flashing through my mind.

Chloe sidles up next to me, our son, Jamie, standing right in front of us, his eyes wide with wonder. I place my hand on Chloe’s thigh, drawing her close, feeling her warmth. After all these years, our bond is still as fresh as the day it began.

Liam points the camera at us, a teasing smirk on his lips.