Page 50 of Kiss From A Rose

"Hence the name Sunrise Haven?"

"Yes.”

Stepping inside, I was enamored by the calm, inviting atmosphere of the room. It was painted in soft, sandy tones like a beach. The large bed was made up of crisp white linens and a thick, navy blue comforter, arranged perfectly to invite a weary traveler to rest. On either side, matching nightstands held simple ceramic lamps that cast a soft glow.

The room's large windows commanded attention as they offered a breathtaking view of the Atlantic in twilight, its vast waters stretching endlessly into the horizon. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore reached my ears, a natural lullaby promising restful nights.

A cozy armchair sat in one corner, paired with a small wooden bookshelf filled with an assortment of books, from maritime history to classic fiction. It seemed like the perfect spot to lose oneself in a good story or simply sit and watch the ocean.

On the walls, more artwork echoed the theme of the sea, including a striking photograph of the sun setting over the ocean, its colors vivid and alive.

"This is stunning." I looked around in awe. "I feel like…."

"Like what?" she asked softly, almost shyly when I let my words trail away.

"Like this is a place where the worries of the world are trivial in the face of the expansive beauty outside the windows,"

I set down my suitcase and felt more than its weight lift off my shoulders. I was with my wife, and I washome. Rosewas my home. How had I not seen that before?

"I'm so glad you like it," she whispered.

I looked at my wife's beautiful face, taking my fill of her. "Babe, I—"

"I'm not ready to talk, Gray," she told me in that quiet manner of hers. "Please."

I nodded, choked up. "You take your time, babe. I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyebrows shot straight up to her hairline, and she looked so shocked that I had to smile.

"What does that mean?"

"I…ah…Malou didn't tell you? I asked to have a room for six months," I told her, aware that the shit could hit the fan right about now.

I didn't know what to expect from my wife. The woman who had been in my bed for the past twenty years was not one I'd expect to walk away from me as Rose had—but that was my folly. I always knew she was strong; I just hadn't come to fully appreciate it, which was on me.

"Six months?" The surprise in her voice was unmistakable. "But…what about work?"

I shrugged. "Justin has taken over as acting CEO and President."

"What?" She gaped at me. "Why?" And then I saw worry cloud her eyes, "Are you okay? Are you not well?"

"Babe, I'm fine. Heart fucking broken but otherwise fine," I spoke quickly, not wanting her to panic. Since her friend was ill, I should've thought about where her head would go. "I want to be here with you."

She looked at me quizzically. "I don't understand."

"I'm here on Angel Island for as long as you're here."

"What?"

I stood silently and watched her instead of repeating myself. She'd heard me fine, even if maybe she didn't like what I had said.

"You can't do that."

"Why?"

"This is…ah…for guests."

"I'm happy to pay for the room, Rose."

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