Page 52 of Hearts on Fire

Scotti took Naomi’s hands in her own strong hands. Naomi felt the scars on her palms, but it didn’t scare her now. She suddenly knew that everyone’s time is limited and that when it is your time to go, it is your time to go. She knew for sure she needed to spend every moment possible with Scotti for as long as they both had on this earth.

Scotti’s kind navy blue eyes fixed hers. Scotti looked like she had just left a war zone, but Naomi thought she had never been more lovely. Scotti was the purest most lovely soul on the planet, surely.

“You are the most incredible woman I have ever met. I can’t wait to spend the rest of forever with you,” she smiled and she leant in and kissed Naomi tenderly.

Naomi felt the world around her swimming. She had been drowning and Scotti was her air.

She lost herself in the kiss.

The kiss that saved her.

The kiss that healed her.

The kiss that was the beginning of their future together.

“I love you so much,” she whispered against Scotti’s lips.

Epilogue

The hallway was full of people. Scotti had long lost count of how many of them she could recognize.

She raised her head above the people, her eyes searching for just one person. When she didn't find her, she put down the glass of wine she had in her hands, excused herself from the rest of the circle, and disappeared behind one of the rooms.

Her cheeks hurt from beaming all morning. Naomi's speech had made her cry.

It was Naomi who she was looking for in the crowd of people.

It was their day, truly, but Scotti had been looking for a moment to steal Naomi to herself.

“Scotti!” Someone grabbed her arm. She turned to find Cora.

“Jesus, Cora! I'm so glad you're here. Damn! You found the time!” Scotti greeted excitedly.

“Miss this? Me? Never. Congratulations, Scotti. You guys are such a wonderful sight for everyone's eyes.”

Scotti put her hand on her heart and pouted her lips. “Thank you, Cora. Has Naomi seen you around? She'd squeal.”

“Oh,” Cora waved modestly, “That's part of what I'm here for.”

Cora was Naomi's consultant on Naomi's most recent scientific breakthrough. After the research facility had burned down, Naomi had worked with the other departments. It had taken about two years to rebuild but once it was rebuilt, Naomi had restarted her research.

The press conference for it had been held just the week before and it had gathered a lot of attention from everywhere in the world.

This event was an after-party following the achievement. Scotti had been the one to plan it all as a surprise and present for their wedding anniversary.

She'd only told Naomi about it a few days ago when she had taken her out to shop for their outfits.

Together, they had sent out invites to everyone who knew them. However, Scotti hadn't expected this kind of a crowd, though she had prepared for it.

All morning, so many people had walked up to her and Naomi with gifts and hugs and thanked them for saving their lives.

It made Scotti emotional that she'd been able to do so much for so many people. Even more, it made her more excited about Naomi's research project. It was designed to save more people than they ever would have thought possible. The work had yet to be materialized but it had gotten past the paperwork stage and the production was already underway.

There were still more people downstairs, but right there on the staircase, Scotti's eyes fell on Naomi and distinguished her from the crowd.

Her incredible wife was always stunning but tonight, especially so in a blood red cocktail dress; a long straight sleeveless gown with a thigh high slit that made Scotti's fingers curious to disappear into it. She loved the way the dress hugged Naomi's hips and curves. Naomi's nude heels were the perfect pick for the dress. Later, they'd take a lot of pictures.

As though she suspected she was being watched, Naomi turned around and her eyes immediately found Scotti.

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