Page 33 of A Very Grumpy Marine

We got married three months after we met and ended up taking our honeymoon in Bermuda. Then I ended up staying there for a few weeks to research locations for a new reality dating show. Camden stayed with me and it was great having a travel partner.

Over the years, he’s traveled with me quite a bit. At least before Emery was born.

“Let’s eat!”Camden says, and Emery cheers and throws herself into his arms.

I laugh as Camden takes my hand, and we head out to grab some dinner.

Later that evening, after we’ve eaten our weight in udon and tempura, we take a walk along the beach. Emery holds both our hands, skipping between us as we stroll along the shore. The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything, and I take a deep breath, savoring the moment.

We pause to watch the waves roll in, and Camden scoops Emery up in his arms. She’s half asleep, and I smile as I watch how gentle and patient he is with our little girl.

“Best vacation ever,” Emery declares sleepily, resting her head against Camden’s shoulder.

Camden meets my gaze, his expression soft. “Yeah, it really is.”

We start to head back to the hotel, and Emery falls asleep in Camden’s arms before we even make it back to the hotel room. He carries her inside, laying her gently in her bed before joining me in our bed.

I lean into him as he wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. I can see the water out of the windows, and I smile as I take it all in. The ocean stretches out in front of us, moonlight glimmering on the waves.

“This trip was perfect,” I whisper.

He presses a kiss to the side of my neck. “You’re perfect.”

I smile, tilting my head back to look at him. “Camden, are you getting soft on me?”

His low chuckle vibrates against my skin. “Only for you, baby.”

We lie there in silence for a while, just holding each other, watching the waves roll in, and listening to Emery’s soft, slow breathing. And at this moment, surrounded by love, by laughter, by the life we’ve built together, I know with absolute certainty?—

I have everything I’ll ever need.

I’m so glad that I took a chance on love all of those years ago.

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