Page 65 of Kiss for My Kraken
Around them, the festival continued its joyous celebration, the music and laughter a fitting soundtrack to their newfound happiness. But she barely noticed, lost as she was in Sam’sembrace and the radiant certainty that she had finally—finally—found where she belonged.
With Sam. With this community. With herself.
CHAPTER 26
Later, as midnight approached and the festival began to wind down, they made their farewells, promising to return for the rebuilding efforts at the shack the following day. They walked hand-in-hand towards the river, Ozzie trotting contentedly ahead of them after an evening of being spoiled with treats by festival-goers charmed by his friendly nature.
The night was clear and cool, stars scattered like diamond dust across the velvet sky. The path to the river was lit with small lanterns, guiding their way through the trees. She felt a pleasant weariness settling into her bones, the good kind that came from joy rather than exertion.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” she asked him, though his relaxed posture and easy stride already told her the answer.
“More than I expected,” he admitted. “It was… illuminating.”
“How so?”
He was quiet for a moment, considering his words. “I’ve watched this town for a long time,” he finally said. “Observed its people,its celebrations, its quiet moments. But I always saw myself as separate, apart. Tonight…”
“Tonight you were part of it,” she finished for him when he trailed off.
He nodded, squeezing her hand. “Because of you.”
“No.” She shook her head firmly. “You were always part of Fairhaven Falls, Sam. You just didn’t realize it.”
They reached the riverbank, where the small rowboat waited to carry them across to Sam’s island. As always, she felt a thrill at the sight of it—her island now too, her home.
He helped her into the boat, and tonight he didn’t slip into the water but took up the oars instead. She settled back to watch him, admiring the play of muscles beneath his skin as he rowed.
The river was calm tonight, its surface a mirror reflecting the stars above. Ozzie sat at the bow, nose lifted to catch the scents carried on the night breeze. Everything felt peaceful, perfect, as if the universe had aligned precisely to create this moment.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, noticing her contemplative expression.
She smiled, reaching out to trail her fingers through the cool water. “About how lucky I am. How, out of all the places I could have ended up, I found Fairhaven Falls. And you.”
His rowing never faltered, but his expression softened in the moonlight. “I’m the lucky one,” he countered. “After all, you’re the one who had to fall in love with a kraken.”
She laughed, the sound echoing across the water. “As if that was difficult. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met, tentacles and all.”
The island drew closer, its familiar silhouette a welcome sight. The cabin’s windows glowed with warm light—Sam must have left lanterns burning for their return.
Home.
Such a simple word for such a profound concept. She had moved so many times over the past two years, fleeing from place to place, never feeling settled, never feeling safe. But this island, this cabin, this life with Sam—it filled a void in her she hadn’t even realized was there.
The boat gently bumped against the dock, and Sam secured it before offering her his hand. She took it, allowing him to help her onto the dock even though she no longer needed the assistance. Some gestures were worth preserving for the connection they created.
They climbed the path to the cabin together, Ozzie racing ahead to claim his favorite spot by the hearth. The night air had grown cooler, and she looked forward to the warmth waiting inside, to curling up with Sam in their shared bed, to waking beside him in the morning.
“Nina,” he said suddenly, pausing on the path. His expression was serious, almost solemn in the moonlight.
“What is it?” she asked, tilting her head inquiringly.
He took both her hands in his, his massive palms dwarfing hers. “I need you to know something.”
She waited, giving him the time he needed to find his words. One of the things she loved most about him was his thoughtful nature, the way he considered his words carefully before speaking.
“Before you,” he finally said, “I existed. I survived. I watched life happen around me, but I wasn’t truly living it.” His thumbs traced gentle patterns on the backs of her hands. “You didn’t just give me love, little minnow. You gave me life. A reason to emerge from the shadows, to engage with the world again.”
Her throat tightened. “Sam?—”
