Page 348 of Now and Forever

That same day, when Stella fell asleep after we made love, I found myself before my best friend’s grave. I stood there a moment, understanding the meaning of it all. Rehashing memories of that very same day I came back to the island, Richard bearing bad news along with the request of marriage to Stella.

“Thank you for bringing me to her,” I murmured. “Even though you’re gone, you’ve still looked out for me. I will take care of her. I love her more than anything. We miss you.” Silently, I spoke to my departed friend as if he was still alive.

CALLUM

The next day, I had our family and friends flown in for our wedding. Eleanor was the one who handled it all and I couldn’t have been more grateful for her help.

Our ceremony was held during sunset since it had been during one that I realized that I had been in love with Stella all along. I wanted to see the sun set on her again as we shared our love.

It was an intimate gathering. One that was sealed in my heart. This time, when I spoke my vows, it was spoken with truth—my truth.

That very same night, we were out on our bedroom’s balcony, draped only with a sheet while we stared out to the sea with the moon and the stars above as we cooled our heated bodies in the hammock, when Stella broke the silence.

“You know what I thought when I first saw you?” She cocked her head sideways, reminiscing.

This ought to be interesting. “Love to hear it.”

“I thought you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and I wanted you for myself. When I told Richard what I thought, he laughed me off, saying that maybe someday, if I let fate do its own will, it just might happen.” Stella crawled a little closer to my face. “I love you, Callum Kensington.”

I paused, looking at her grinning, beautiful face as my heart squeezed tighter. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

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