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“You can come back and stay if you need a place. No strings attached, Winter. Just show up.”
I walk out of the room with Winter under my arm and I hope like hell she will decide to stay with me. Will we be scrutinized for our age differences? Sure, but both of us are used to conquering adversities. My little storm is a fighter and I want nothing more than to be by her side.
I brush her hair aside as we walk down the dilapidated hall and I smile when I see the little heart-shaped birthmark that’s still there.
“Well, look at that. A unique birthmark for a unique young lady.”
She smiles up at me brilliantly. This woman is so beautiful and perfect for me it makes my heartache. We both are recalling that old memory of a moment now frozen in time from so long ago and I place a soft kiss on her heart.
EPILOGUE
(ONE YEAR LATER)
I carry the drinks out to the lounge chair on the beach where Winter sits reading. Whatever the latest must-read romance novel is, is perched onto her very round, very beautiful belly.
“Here my little storm.” I hand her the fruit juice slushy.
“Mmm. Thank you.” She takes a large sip then sits it down on the table beside her and returns to her book.
“You’re not too hot, are you?” I can’t help but ask. It seems all I ever do now is worry about the two of them.
“Stop worrying Gov. We’re okay.” She laughs and her beautiful smile makes me laugh too.
We came to Hawaii for a vacation but also because Winter has sold some of her jewelry to a local boutique. I’m very proud of my wife and her growing business.
My phone chimes in my pocket and when I pull it out and look at the screen and see who it is a lump forms in my throat. It’s been over a year but a promise is a promise.
Lazz
Hey Governor. About that favor…