Page 34 of Embrace

“We have our ups and downs, but we never go to bed mad at each other. Communication is key. Having personal time away from your partner is key too.” Freddie’s words spoke volumes. They’d lasted for thirty years and made it out of the storm every time.

“Thank you so much for the advice,” I stated with a genuine smile.

“We’re going to have to head back to the cabana soon. We have a hike to prepare for,” Blaze reminded.

“You’re right! It was a pleasure meeting y’all,” I stated.

“You too!” Helena and Freddie waved goodbye as we headed back to our area to gather our belongings.

“I’m going to have to take the longest shower,” I complained.

“Man, what? I feel dirty as hell.”

The hike involved a trip through Mayan ruins. We’d trudged through miles of beautiful scenery. Once we’d made it to the end of the trail, we took tubes through the caves. It was definitely a once in a lifetime type of experience because on a normal day, I would not have been so eager to participate. After the cave adventure, we made it back to the resort and were treated with an ocean side picnic.

I’d made sure to pack my camera to caption every moment. In all honesty, there hadn’t been a moment where I wanted to check in with anybody or scroll through social media. Every day so far had been nothing short of an amazing time living in the moment. I figured today would be the best time to capture some of the things we did on camera to have some footage to show our families.

“Do you think it’s going to be weird when we have to go back home?” I asked.

“Why would it be weird, my love?” Blaze asked.

“Because these days have felt like a fairytale. I don’t want reality to taint what we’ve built during our time here.”

Blaze wrapped his hands around mine. “It won’t.”

“In my defense, we’d stumbled into one of your exes before we came out here. How many more women are going to feel some type of way about you marrying me?”

“Fuck them bitches. I don’t communicate with any bitch I dated and broke up with. If they feel some way they need to build a bridge and jump off the mothafucka.”

“Blaze!”

“What?”

“Don’t be so rude.”

He laughed. “I want you to know I meant that shit, baby. You shouldn’t have to worry about anyone from my past, just as I shouldn’t have to worry about any nigga you fucked before marrying me.”

I nodded. “You’re right. We’re going to have a drama free life when we return to Texas. I have to stay optimistic.”

“Facts. You’re in good hands with me.”

“Well come put those hands to use in the shower.”

Blaze licked his lips and smirked. “Nah, it sounds good… But this the type of dirt that will take a private shower.”

The laughter erupted loudly. “You’re such a loser.”

“I’m serious.” Blaze’s expression wasn’t as amused as mine was, but I felt his sentiments. I needed to get into every nook and cranny to cleanse myself from the nature stains coating my skin.

“I know you are.”

We finished our sandwiches and fruit before we gathered our trash and tossed it into a nearby bin. Once our area was clear, we grabbed our things. We headed back to the cabana with our fingers interlocked.

“I feel like I’ve lost so much weight today. I’ve never walked so many steps in my life.”

“Listen, I feel the same way. We might have to do something light tomorrow because I got a strong feeling we’re going to be sore.”

“Maybe we can hit up Rosa and Irma again,” I suggested.

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