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“I’m good.”

And I am. For the first time in my life, I feel completely and utterly at peace. The demons that have haunted me for years no longer have a hold on me.

“I know how hard this is for you. Seeing your dad like that. But I want you to know that I’m here. Always. No matter what.”

“I know, my gem. And I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Gemma presses a tender kiss to my jaw. “You’ll never have to find out.”

“I don’t deserve you, you know that?”

Gemma rolls her eyes. “Oh, shut up and kiss me.”

I chuckle, obliging her with a deep, lingering kiss. As we part, I rest my forehead against hers.

“I love you, Gemma Milton.”

“And I love you, Elijah Milton.”

“So, Mrs. Milton, ready to begin our honeymoon?”

“Absolutely, Mr. Milton.”

The warm Caribbean breeze caresses my skin as I step out onto the balcony with a glass of whiskey. Below, the crystal-clear waters of the private beach shimmer in the moonlight, the gentle lapping of the waves a soothing melody.

I take a sip of the amber liquid, savoring the burn.

The sound of the sliding glass door opening has me glancing over my shoulder. Gemma steps out, barefoot and wearing nothing but one of my button-down shirts.

“There you are.” She comes up beside me, slipping her arm around my waist. “I was wondering where you disappeared to.”

I pull her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Just needed a moment to myself. Clear my head, you know?”

Gemma nods, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. “I understand. Today was... a lot.”

I turn to face her, cupping her cheek. “I have you. That’s all that matters.”

She inches closer, pressing a tender kiss to mine. I deepen the embrace, reveling in the familiar warmth and comfort of her touch.

“I love you. So goddamn much.”

“I love you too.” Her fingers travel along my jaw, her eyes shining with adoration. “More than anything.”

I capture her lips in another kiss, my free hand gliding down to grip her hip. Gemma molds herself against me, her body fitting perfectly with mine.

With a low groan, I tear my mouth from hers, placing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her jaw and down the elegant column of her neck. Gemma’s breath hitches, her fingers tangling in my hair, urging me on.

“Elijah...”

I nip at the sensitive spot below her ear. “You’re so damn beautiful, you know that?”

Gemma lets out a breathless laugh. “I try.”

“You don’t have to try. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

She hums, pressing herself closer. “Careful, Mr. Milton. You might give a girl ideas.”

“Is that so?” My fingers dip beneath the hem of her shirt. “And what kind of ideas might those be?”

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