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Wrapping his arms around her, they fell on the bed behind them. He felt her take him into her hand, stroking him. Her fingers played with his tip, and he groaned with pleasure.

He adjusted himself between her thighs. She kissed his neck, down his jaw, still stroking him. He grabbed her wrist, removing it from his manhood, sliding into her slowly as she took him in deep. She could feel her wetness aiding his way, out of her mind with need and urgency. One thrust then another. She was gripping him, bucking her hips toward him. Everything was pure perfection. She lay there, pinned to the bed, his hands on her wrists, their eyes locked on each other. She wrapped his legs around his waist, keeping him close.

He moved faster and faster, in then out. Everything about him seemed to demand release. He lowered his head, kissing her with abandon as he thrust deeper and deeper. Her heat tightened around him the moment he finished deep inside of her. He filled her completely, feeling completely drained, completely whole, completely hers.

He collapsed next to her, breathing heavily and pulled her close. When he looked at her, she was smiling blissfully.

“I love you so much,” he whispered to her through deep breaths.

She smiled even more widely. She knew that nothing could ever stand between them ever again. The bonds of the past were broken. They were not the people others thought they were. They were soul mates, destined for each other, and they would have find a way to be together no matter what.

He kissed her forehead, listening to her words.

“I love you, too, James…”

That was all he needed to hear now and forever more.

* * *

That afternoon, the sun cast a rich golden hue over the lush greenery of their garden, lending a warm and inviting atmosphere to the scene. A checkered picnic blanket lay spread out on the soft grass, adorned with an array of delectable treats and refreshments.

Penelope and James sat side by side, their fingers entwined as they watched their guests mingle and laugh. Grandfather reclined in a comfortable chair, a contented smile gracing his weathered features as he regaled everyone with tales of days gone by. Adeline and Ciara, sat nearby, their faces alive with joy as they joined in the conversation, their laughter ringing out like music in the air.

Over the course of the past several months, they had become good friends although Ciara was now living with her uncle, who didn’t know of her plight and gladly offered to help once he found out what had happened.

As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden, Penelope looked at her loved ones gathered around her. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and contentment, knowing that she was surrounded by the people she cherished most in the world.

Penelope looked over at James, realizing that this was the perfect moment. She got up from the blanket, taking him by the hand.

“Come on,” she told him, her voice barely audible over the sounds of merriment. “Let’s steal a moment for ourselves.”

James’ eyes sparkled with excitement as he nodded, his hand slipping into hers as they snuck away from everyone. With soft giggles, they made their way through the garden, weaving between hedges until they reached the entrance of the maze. Once inside, they found themselves surrounded by towering green walls, the sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead.

“I can’t believe we are doing this,” he chuckled.

She laughed as well, her laughter bubbling up like a melody.

“I love how you always remind me that life is too short not to indulge in a little adventure,” he added, his hand tightening around hers as they ventured further into the maze.

As they navigated the twists and turns of the labyrinth, their laughter echoed off the walls, blending with the rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of bees. In that hidden corner of the garden, they were free to be themselves, to laugh and play like carefree children, lost in the magic of the moment.

But there was another reason she wanted to bring him there. When they reached the very center of the maze, they found a marble bench. She gently gestured at him to sit down then she straddled him mischievously.

His eyes widened in shock and delight. “Penelope? What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” she asked. “I am stealing my husband away for a few precious minutes.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And what do you intend to do with your husband, my dear?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, hanging around him like a precious necklace. “Something… naughty.”

“Oh my,” he pretended to be shocked. He then glanced around. “I must say, you have chosen the perfect spot for it.”

She chuckled. “I have, haven’t I?”

“Mhm,” he murmured, obviously enjoying the moment. “I see that no one can sneak up on us.”

“Exactly,” she looked at him with a naughty expression in her eyes.