Page 57 of The Soul Never Forgets

I rock my hips against his, wrapping my legs around his waist. “I’m forever yours no matter how much times passes.”

We are a perfect fit. Made for each other.

He presses his forehead to mine and groans, his body trembling as he finishes inside me.

Finishes inside me.No man has ever done that with me. Except Frank. And it usually meant that August could expect a baby to come nine months later.

He relaxes, his weight supported on his lower arms. Still inside me.

“You didn’t ask me about birth control. Do you assume I’m on it, or does it not matter to you one way or the other?”

“Our family will happen whenever it’s fated to happen. I’m not concerned with preventing it. Are you?”

“No, but I would like to be married before starting a family. I guess I’m old-fashioned that way.”

“We’ll be married soon.”

It’s a relief to hear him say that.

“I wasn’t sure where you stood on marrying me since it’s not something we’ve discussed.”

“I wanted to clear up this mess with Devin before we started making plans. It didn’t feel right to plan my marriage to one woman while I was still engaged to another.”

No, I wouldn’t have wanted that.

“We’re destined to be married, but I still want a real proposal.”

“You’ll get a real proposal with a real ring, and we’ll have a real wedding.”

A big wedding is not on my bucket list. It never has been. “I want to get married at the beach house in Pascagoula––the one Gussy’s parents owned. It’s been turned into a bed-and-breakfast, and it’s stunning.”

“Why there?”

“It’s where Augustina lived when she met Frank. They spent their honeymoon there. I think it would be really special.”

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what you’ll have. Anything for my wife and soul mate.”

We know that we did things the right way, but others won’t see that. “I’m worried about the things people will say.”

“We’re adults who are capable of making our own decisions. What is there for them to say?”

“I’m afraid your family won’t be understanding about your decision to end your engagement after years of being together only to jump into a marriage with a woman you just met. And my mother? Don’t get me started on all the shenanigans I expect out of her.”

“What kind of shenanigans?”

“She’ll probably try to have me committed because she’ll say my decision to marry so quickly is unsound.”

Dawsey laughs. “She’d have to question my sanity as well if she questions yours. You aren’t in this alone.”

“You don’t know her. She’ll probably accuse you of taking advantage of myfragile mental state.”

“What a bitch. She must be the reincarnation of Augustina’s mother.”

“My birth mother left me for dead. Do you think it’s a coincidence that one of my parents has tried to kill me in my last two lives?”

“It’s an unusual coincidence to occur in two lifetimes back-to-back.”

“What are the odds, right?” One in a bazillion.

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