"Now that's some twisted logic, but I think you're right."

I turn around so we're facing each other. "Love is a strange beast."

His eyes glimmer in the dim glow of the floor lamp, and he lightly smooths his fingers over my cheeks. "It sure is. I'm so happy I'm with you."

"I am, too." I bite my lip. "Are you really okay with going back home in a month?"

"I am. On one condition."

"What's that?"

"We do one more thing here before we leave. What are your plans this weekend?"

"I should be free," I say, grinning because I am totally free.

"Good." He lifts his chin. "Keep it that way."

Culver

Even after my career ended last year and I received my inheritance from my grandfather, Hannah and I stayed married.

Part of it was because we were busy making plans to come to Italy.

But part of it also came down to our relationship always existing in this strange label-free limbo.

From the moment we became more than friends, we never moved on to the next logical label of girlfriend/boyfriend because by then, we were already married.

And that fake marriage has hung over us the entire time we've been together.

That's always bugged me.

Another thing that bugs me?

As Nonna still likes to remind me whenever I speak to her, I never proposed properly to Hannah.

That changes today.

The wheels of the private jet have just touched down on the tarmac at Tromsø Airport Langnes in Norway.

I had to charter a private plane so I could surprise Hannah.

She has no idea where I'm taking her, and I couldn't risk pesky things like flight details and speaker announcements on a commercial flight ruining the surprise.

Besides, for the first time in my life, I'm obscenely wealthy. So if I want to spend ridiculous amounts of money spoiling the people I love, I will.

Buying Ma and Pa the holiday home they've always dreamed about in Aspen…Check.

Sending Nonna and the REDs on a round-the-world three-month luxury cruise…Check.

Paying Chester and Katie's college tuition…Check.

Making sure Hannah is looked after financially for the rest of her life…You betta believe I took care of that, too. My girl has done enough and put everyone first for long enough. I'm going to make sure she's looked after now.

The pilot, crew, and ground staff have been instructed not to reveal our destination.

Again, it's amazing the doors that open for you when you can splash money around. I always knew that the other half lived differently, I just had no idea how differently.

Hannah unbuckles her seat belt. "Can you tell me where we are now?"