Page 129 of Say You're Mine

June catches my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow in silent question. I smile, shaking my head slightly. I'm okay. More than okay.

Later, as we're getting ready for bed, June wraps his arms around me from behind. "You okay, Cara Mia?" he asks softly. "Today was a lot."

I turn in his embrace, resting my forehead against his. "I'm good," I assure him. "Better than good, actually. I feel... lighter. Like I can finally breathe again."

June's smile is soft, understanding. "I'm glad," he murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.

We fall into bed, limbs tangled, hearts beating in sync. As sleep starts to claim me, I can almost hear my dad's approving chuckle on the breeze. This, right here? It's everything.

The rest of our time in Nigeria passes in a blur of sightseeing, family bonding, and making new memories. We visit the markets, the vibrant colors and heady scents transporting me back to childhood. June tries haggling for the first time, much to the amusement of the local vendors. His attempts at speaking Igbo are endearingly terrible, but the effort makes my heart swell.

On our last night, we have a beach bonfire. The flames dance in the darkness, casting flickering shadows across familiar faces. Onyx toddles between us, squealing with delight as she discovers the texture of sand between her toes.

"I can't believe we're leaving tomorrow," Sonya says, leaning against Louis. "It feels like we just got here."

I nod, a bittersweet ache in my chest. "I know. Part of me doesn't want to go."

"But the Bahamas are calling," June reminds me, his eyes twinkling in the firelight.

Right. Our new beginning. Excitement bubbles up, chasing away the melancholy. "Our own little paradise," I agree, snuggling closer to him.

The flight back to the States is subdued, everyone lost in their own thoughts. But as we touch down in New York, a new energy fills the air. This isn't an ending – it's the start of something incredible.

The next few weeks pass in a whirlwind of packing, paperwork, and tearful goodbyes. Finally, finally, the day arrives. We're moving to the Bahamas.

As the plane descends towards our new home, I gaze out the window at the impossibly blue water below. June squeezes my hand, and I turn to meet his eyes.

"Ready for our happily ever after?" he asks, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "With you? Always."

The moment we step off the plane, the balmy air envelops us like a warm hug. Onyx squeals with delight, her little face lighting up at the palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Our new home is a beachfront villa, all whitewashed walls and wide, breezy spaces. As June carries our bags inside, I scoop up Onyx and walk out onto the sand.

The water laps at my feet, cool and inviting. Onyx reaches down, giggling as the foam tickles her toes. I close my eyes, breathing in the salt air, feeling the sun on my face.

This is it. Our fresh start. Our happily ever after.

June joins us, wrapping an arm around my waist. "What do you think, Cara Mia?" he asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I lean into him, my heart so full it might burst. "It's perfect," I whisper. "Absolutely perfect."

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in a riot of pinks and oranges, I know with absolute certainty that this is where we're meant to be. Here, with the man I love and the daughter we adore, building a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

The ocean stretches out before us, vast and full of promise. Just like our future.

I turn to June, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Race you to the water?"

His laughter rings out, bright and joyous. "You're on!"

We sprint towards the waves, Onyx's delighted shrieks filling the air. As the cool water splashes around us, I'm filled with a sense of pure, unadulterated happiness.

This is just the beginning of our story. And what a beautiful story it's going to be.

Chapter thirty-eight

June

---