Page 58 of Natural Temptation

"You've said that at least twice already, but thank you," I reply, feeling a lump form in my throat. "For everything."

As we continue our circuit, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. Just a few months ago, Ryan was the stoic, unapproachable resort manager, and I was a lost soul searching for...something.

"What are you thinking about?" Ryan murmurs, his thumb tracing circles on my hand.

I smile up at him. "Just how lucky I am. How lucky we both are."

A soft smile plays on his lips. "I never thought I'd find this. Love. Happiness. You've given me both, Meredith."

"We're both damn lucky, aren't we? We have so many friends who have become like family, and we're free to do whatever we want."

The music fades, and I tug gently on his hand. "Come on. Let's sneak away for a moment."

While we make our way to the water's edge, I glance up at the sky that's dotted with puffy white clouds. But soon, the sun sinks lower and lower, heralding the arrival of stars.

"The sky is so beautiful," I breathe, leaning into Ryan's solid warmth. "Is that the Southern Cross? It's beautiful."

"Yes, it's the Southern Cross." He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "It's beautiful, but not as spectacular as you."

I laugh, swatting his chest playfully. "When did you get so smooth, Mr. Kimble?"

His expression turns serious, those hazel eyes intense as they meet mine. "When I realized I never wanted to let you go."

I reach up to cup his face. "I'm so thankful for this life I have with you."

"And you've brought light back into my life, Meredith. I can never repay that gift."

We stand here, the gentle waves lapping at our feet, and I experience a sense of peace that's so deep I can't even describe it. The dream I'd given up on long ago has come true at last, and Ryan gave me that.

"Ready to start our next chapter?" I ask, grinning up at my husband.

Ryan's answering smile takes my breath away. "With you? Always."

Just as I gaze up at the stars again, a meteor streaks across the heavens. I can't help but gasp at the breathtaking sight. I point at the sky. "Ryan, look."

He tips his head back just when another meteor streaks by. "It's like the island's giving us a wedding gift."

"Who knew you were such a romantic?"

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me. "Only for you, Meredith. You bring out sides of me I thought were long gone."

More meteors race across the sky, leaving trails that burn out swiftly. Unlike those heavenly bodies, the love Ryan and I share for each other will never die.

As we stand here, wrapped in each other's arms, I feel a profound sense of rightness. The gentle lapping of waves, the distant laughter of our friends who are still enjoying the wedding festivities, the warmth of Ryan's embrace—it all blends into a perfect moment.

"This is it, isn't it?" I muse aloud. "The beginning of our forever."

Ryan presses a kiss to my temple. "It is. And I can't wait to see where it takes us."

I turn to face Ryan fully. "Ready for our next adventure, Mr. Kimble?"

His answering smile is everything. "Lead the way, Mrs. Kimble."

Chapter Eighteen

Ryan

As we stroll down the beach together on this beautiful day, my mind wanders to our upcoming excursions beyond Heirani Motu. The Au Naturel chain is expanding, and we've booked trips to the newest properties. But first, we'll visit the original Au Naturel Naturist Resort in Oregon. It's family friendly, just like the one being built in Florida will be. I picture me and Meredith lying on the sun-drenched shores of the Sunshine State. They have alligators in Florida. But James and Holly swear there won't be any at the new resort.

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