Page 77 of Forbidden Fruit

"So," Clive says, pouring champagne into plastic flutes (a concession to boating with a toddler), "four years. Any regrets?"

This question has become our anniversary tradition. Every year, same question, same answer.

"Only that we didn't start sooner," I reply, clinking my glass against his.

His eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles. "That would have been divine."

"I agree," I say, reaching over to run my fingers through the silver at his temples.

"Mama, swim!" Liam interrupts, pointing at the water.

"After lunch, sweetheart," I tell him, offering him a sandwich. "Eat a little more first."

Clive watches us, a curious expression on his face. "What?" I ask.

"Nothing," he says, shaking his head. "Just... sometimes I still can't believe this is my life. That I get to have this."

I know what he means. After his unhappy years with Kay and my relationship with Jack, which left me constantly doubting myself, this happiness feels almost too good to be true.

"I have something for you," he says suddenly, reaching into the cooler and pulling out a small wrapped package that he must have hidden beneath the ice packs.

"I thought we agreed no gifts this year," I protest weakly, but I'm already reaching for it.

My fingers work on the wrapping paper. Inside is a velvet box that makes my heart skip—even after years of marriage, the sight of a jewelry box still makes me tingle with anticipation.

I lift the lid to find a delicate gold compass pendant, small but exquisitely detailed, hanging from a delicate chain.

"It's beautiful," I breathe, lifting it carefully.

"Turn it over," Clive says softly.

On the back, three coordinates are engraved in tiny, precise numbers.

"The first is where we met," Clive explains, his voice low and intimate. "The second is Casa Azul, where I finally made you mine. And the third..."

"Is our home in New York," I finish, recognizing the numbers. Tears prick at my eyes.

"So no matter where life takes us, you always know the way back to what matters most," he says, taking the necklace from my trembling fingers and moving to fasten it around my neck.

Liam watches with solemn curiosity, then reaches out to touch the pendant as it settles against my collarbone.

"Pretty, Mama," he declares.

"The most thoughtful gift," I whisper, leaning in to kiss Clive, tasting salt and champagne on his lips.

"I have something for you, too," I admit, reaching into our beach bag. "So much for our no-gifts pact."

Clive raises an eyebrow, watching as I pull out a slim envelope. "Great minds," he chuckles.

I pass him the envelope, suddenly nervous. "It's not as romantic as your gift, but..."

He opens it carefully, his expression shifting from curiosity to wonder as he pulls out the ultrasound image. He just stares at it for a moment, those piercing blue eyes widening.

"Rebecca," he whispers, looking up at me. "Is this...?"

I nod, unable to keep the smile from spreading across my face. "Due in December. Liam's going to be a big brother."

Clive's face transforms with joy—the same expression he wore when I told him about Liam, but somehow even more profound. He reaches for me, careful of our son munching on strawberries between us, and pulls me close.

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