Epilogue

Christmas in Mexico

The waves cascade gently on top of the water, creating a ripple that goes on as far as I can see. We're staying at North's parents' house, but I decided to take the day to visit the ocean as it's always been where I felt the calmest. For a moment, I'm sad as I reminisce about how I used to look out at the beach almost every day when I worked at the resort. Though I love working at Dad's pizzeria, it's not the same as having a career that's solely mine.

"What are you thinking about?" North walks barefoot beside me on our sunrise walk. His face is already sun-kissed even though we've only been here two days.

"Just how peaceful the ocean is, and how I miss working at the resort."

"Have you thought about what direction you want to go with your career after your dad returns to Bella's?"

"No." My mind is calm, and it doesn't pull me in any direction except to whatever direction is closest to North. "I know it wasn't in my plan to have a career change now, but I do think it's been the best thing that could have happened because these past few weeks of getting to spend so much time with you have been everything to me."

"I feel the same way." North takes my hand in his, and my heart melts how our fingers lace together so perfectly. "I hate to say I'm grateful you got laid off, but I've been selfishly enjoying all the late-night left-over pizza dinners together."

"Those are amazing, but my favorite is the daily Coffee Loft visits." I hold up a teasing finger. "Maybe, when we return, I'll try to get a job there?"

"That's actually not a bad idea." North's voice ticks up in excitement. "I saw a Help Wanted sign in the window before we left. It's right across the street from the Pizzeria. You can see your dad all the time, but still have your own space, and room for upward advancement. I know Portia and Christian so well, I'm sure they'd hire you."

"Maybe." I purse my lips out, mulling over the idea. The sun is rising higher over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water, making everything tranquil. "I do have my Food Manager's License already, and I enjoy that type of work."

"It would be perfect." North gushes, and everything suddenly feels perfect. North is the man of my dreams, the one I've been hoping for my whole life. Now that we're together, he's not only the sweetest guy ever, but so supportive in every way. Getting laid off could have been stressful, but it just seems like things work out better and better now that he's by my side.

"I really appreciate how supportive you've been with me." I halt and look deeply into his eyes. North never had one those piercing gazes you read about in romance novels. His is the kind of warm intensity that brings so much familiarity, I'm always left feeling like I had known North not just since my youth, but for a thousand lifetimes.

North reaches for my other hand, pulling both of my hands to his heart. This is honestly my favorite thing he does, and it makes my heart skip a beat every time. His chest rises and lowers in the deepest breath as I stand before him, my eyes searching his face for what feels like an eternity. And then, with a rasp in his voice, he finally says, "I don't know if this is too soon or not, but I can't hold it in anymore. I love you, Gia."

His declaration echoes in the air between us, as if suspended by the salty wind. A gentle smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I squeeze his hands back. "I love you too," I whisper, my voice surprisingly cracking as I felt the weight of these words I'd never said to any man wash over me like the waves lapping at my bare feet. And in that moment, we stand on the sandy shore with nothing but the sound of the ocean. I have no clue where I am going in life but, I don't care. I just want to grow closer to North as I finally found someone special – My one true North.