Page 138 of From Us, Forever

My eyes flashed to his as I started softly, “It’s when two souls are bound together for lifetimes. It’s the familiarity when you meet them, the undeniable connection that you can’t help but love them, as if you were romantically involved with them in past lives.”

“Makes sense. We probably are. I did have this sudden sense of familiarity when I met you, and something in me just wouldn’t rest till I had you.”

“I know we are. It’s why we fell in love so quickly—so easily without barely knowing each other.”

He smiled, kissing my nose before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

My eyes shined with love as I gazed at him. “Funnily, I was reading about soulmates just the night before I met you. Have you ever heard about the red string theory? It’s based on a Japanese legend.”

He shook his head.

I gave him a soft smile, taking his left hand in mine. “It’s an invisible red thread that is tied between our pinkies, and no matter the circumstances, destiny will tug us together. An invisible bond, from me to you and from you to me.”

“So we have a string tied between us?” He raised a brow, looping our pinkies together. “But we’re together, so now what?”

I frowned. “I don’t know.”

“Maybe,” he whispered, softly bringing his lips to me. “The string becomes one. From us, forever.”

A wide smile tugged my lips as my hand cradled his cheek, feeling the stubble brush my palms. “I think I like that theory.”

Looking into his eyes, here at this moment, I knew. No matter the pain and suffering, I’d go through it all again.

Because here I was, in the end, in his arms. It was all worth it.

“I love you, husband.”

“I love you more, Mrs. Jameson.”

EPILOGUE

Eight years later.

“Sweetheart,” a voice whispered in my ear. A familiar voice that, even after all these years, had the power to tug my heartstrings and play it like he did his guitar.

“Hmm,” I mumbled, lulling back to sleep.

“You’re burning, beautiful. Let’s go inside.”

My hands rubbed over my swollen belly, and just then, a little kick punched through it.

I blinked my eyes open and was immediately blinded by the scorching sunlight, but a shadow formed over my face as Jay stood over me.

“Hey there.” He smiled, and damn, he still took my breath away. That man looked like he hadn’t aged a day over his twenties. If not for the faint creases in his eyes and slight graying of his hair on the sides, no one would’ve guessed. He was shirtless, looking absolutely delicious with beads of sweat dripping over his chiseled muscles as the sun shined over him. He must’ve just finished his workout.

“Hey.” I smiled brightly. “When did I fall asleep?” I yawned, stretching out in the soft grass. Strawberry looked up, nuzzling her nose at the side of my belly, and I petted her head—mybaby had grown up so much over the years, but she was still my active little girl.

“A while ago,” Jay answered me. “I don’t want you burning. Come on, let’s move you to the shade.”

And before I could say anything, he swooped me off the ground, bridal style.

I’d been reading a book by the pool and had no clue when I fell asleep. But can you blame me? I was eight months pregnant, and my brain felt frayed most of the time.

“Jay, I weigh a whale, if not more,” I muttered, holding on tight to him.

“You’re carrying my child.” He gave me a look that left no room for argument.

I sighed. It wasn’t like he was going to listen anyway.

---