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I wrap my arm around his waist as we walk in comfortable silence for a few moments. Enjoying each other’s company as I inhale. The sea breeze carries the scent of salt.
I lean into West’s body, savoring the peaceful moment away from the bustling reception.
“It’s been crazy, hasn’t it?” The events of the past few months flash through my mind. From the fear, the uncertainty, to the joy. It all led to this moment, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
“Perfectly crazy, and I have something for you.” West reaches into his inside jacket pocket.
My heart skips a beat. “Another present? West, you’ve already given me so much.”
He produces a beautifully wrapped package, about the size of a paperback book. “This one’s special. Open it.”
With trembling fingers, I peel back the wrapping paper asl I reveal a leather-bound album. Its cover is embossed with beautiful designs.
“What is this?” I whisper, running my fingers over the soft leather. Almost scared to look inside.
“Open it.”
I lift the cover, and tears immediately spring to my eyes. Staring back at me is a photograph of my parents on their wedding day, young and radiant with love.
“How...how did you get this?” I choke out, unable to tear my eyes away from the image.
“Your family helped,” West explains, his voice soft. “And my father...he pulled some strings. We wanted to help you reconnect with your roots, preserve your family’s memory.”
I flip through the pages; each one a treasure trove of memories I thought were lost forever. There are photos of my parents when they were young, even some when they were children. There are candid shots of family gatherings, and even a few of me as a baby.
“West, this is...I can’t even begin to thank you,” I manage, swallowing a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by emotion.
He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. “There’s more at home. We found quite a collection, including video footage.”
Tears coat my eyes.
As I continue to look through the album, I stumble upon a photo that makes my heart stop. It’s a picture of me as a young girl, possibly four years old. I’m standing next to another child with familiar features.
“Is that...Sofia?” I ask. “We look so alike.”
West nods. “We think this might have been taken just before your family decided to stay in Italy while the others left.”
I trace the outline of our faces. “I can’t believe you found this. I didn’t even know this picture existed.”
I clutch the album to my chest, overwhelmed by emotion. “West, this is...it’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.You keep surprising me, over and over.” My voice cracks as I speak as I wipe a stray tear from my cheek.
West pulls me into a tight embrace, his muscular arms enveloping me in his warmth.
“You deserve it all, princess,” he murmurs into my hair. “I’d move mountains for you if I could.”
I lean back, gazing into his eyes. The love I see reflected there takes my breath away.
How did I get so lucky?
“Thank you,” I whisper, reaching up to cup his face. “For everything. For believing in me, for standing by me, and for giving me a family again.”
West leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “You’re my family now, Amelia. You and I, we’re in this together.”
I nod, unable to form words past the lump in my throat.
We stand there for a moment, looking out at the sea with the album pressed under my arm like a precious treasure. “I don’t cry when I see the ocean anymore.”
“Because you know they are with you.”