Page 60 of Strawberry Cake

She panted, desperate for air as she gently removed the toys from both of them. Only then did she collapse onto the pillows next to him. “You did wonderful.”

“That was amazing.”

She took another moment, and then sat up and kissed his cheek. She collected the toys, rinsing them off in the bathroom and returning with a cloth for Decan to freshen up.

Once she was back in bed, Decan pulled her on top of him and traced his fingers over her spine. “I already dread going home.”

“We can still do naughty things together at home,” she assured, nuzzling herself against his throat.

“I know, but that also means I have to share you with the rest of the world. You have to go back to work, and we have adult responsibilities that we can’t ignore.”

Choosing to put off reality for another day, Hope soaked in his caresses, drifting off into a deep sleep.

Decan

They spent the entirety of their final day at the pool. He was sitting on the stairs, watching Hope swim around in the water. She dove beneath the surface, emerging with a splash right by his knees.

Decan smiled. “My little thief is turning into a mermaid.”

“Do you want to swim too?”

He took her face into his hands and kissed her softly. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Hope swam away and he pushed himself into the water. At first, he’d had trouble swimming but over time it had become easier. It still wasn’t the same, but he did enjoy it more now. Hope popped back up next to him splashing him with water before diving down again and swimming underneath him.

“Want a swim noodle?” his mom offered from the sidelines.

Hope popped up just in time to hear and held out her hand. “I’ll take one.”

A few moments later they were both floating in the water, her dreamy, playful eyes fixed on him. “Enjoying the view?” he asked teasingly.

“Very much so.”

“I want to take you to my favourite spot after dinner to watch our last sunset here.”

“Can we take dessert with us? I saw that tonight’s restaurant has strawberry cake.”

“Of course we can. Did you have fun these last few days? I mean, you looked like it, but did you get to do everything you wanted?”

“Yes. The biggest thing I wanted was to spend time with you and meet your family. I was thinking… Maybe we could meet my parents for lunch or something when we get back?”

“I’d be honoured.”

“I promise they won’t bite, but they’ve been excited to meet you ever since I first mentioned your name.”

After a wonderful final dinner with his family, Decan stocked up his lap with strawberry cake and a bottle of champagne before leading Hope to his favourite spot of the resort. The lookout tower wasn’t often visited since most sought out the beach at sunset. As Hope spun in a slow circle, taking in the view, he set everything on the railing and pulled himself out of his chair. This was why he loved it here. He was able tostandand enjoy the view. The mangroves were just beneath them and separated the hotel complex from the beach, giving it a true feeling of a natural paradise. Hope’s arm wrapped around him, but he wanted to hold her like he would have his woman before the accident.

“Come here,” he husked, putting space between him and the railing. She obeyed, and he leaned against her, keeping most of his weight on his arms and kissing her neck. “Thank you for coming with me. I loved having you here, loved seeinghow you get along with my family. Loved all the talks we had. And especially…” Decan hesitated, but he was sure of his next words. “I love you. I know it’s still early to say that, but I feel them from deep within my heart.”

Hope turned and wound her arms around his neck, her fingers twisting through his hair. “You always seem to find a way with your words to express howIfeel. I know it’s early, but when you know you know. I loved spending time with you and becoming closer to each other. And yes, Decan, I love you too.”

He dipped his head down and stole a kiss, soft and passionate. “I have a question, and you don’t have to answer it now. You can take your time and think about it.”

Hope rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes. “I’m ready.”

“I would like you to move in with me and Mr. Grumps. I know you said you enjoy being by yourself right now, so maybe we can start slowly. One weekend at a time.”

Hope smiled, and Decan’s heart warmed. “I love that idea.”