7. Marnie

Marnie

“What happens to the island when we’re not on it?” I ask as our luggage is loaded back onto the seaplane. I don’t know why I packed as many outfits as I did since the majority of our month-long stay was spent either naked or in a swimsuit—and even that didn’t last long. The only time I wore actual clothes was at dinner when Pania brought us food, but even then, I could have gotten away with a single dress.

But it goes without saying that I’m leaving this island as a thoroughly sated woman. My husband isn’t just a devil in the sack, he’s the god of my entire body. We made love in ways I never thought possible, and I don’t think there’s a single surface of this island we didn’t explore before exploring each other. Our honeymoon really was a trip to paradise.

“Pania and Leith will look after it for us, and we can come back whenever we like. I think it could be a wonderful getaway for us.”

“Better than a lake house, that’s for sure. Can we share it with friends? I think Jolene would love visiting a place as beautiful as this, and it’s quiet so Gavin won’t feel too out of place.”

He slips his arm around my waist and kisses the side of my head. “We can share it with whomever you like, precious. It’s your island as much as it is mine.”

“It’s going to take me a bit to get used to stuff like that.”

“Owning an island? Or the fact you have the means to own about twelve?”

I almost choke before I laugh. “Both.” I haven’t seen the accounts yet, but I’m already sure it’ll be a number I don’t believe. That kind of money is crazy and exciting all at the same time. The more I think about it, the more I feel honored that Danny trusts our love enough to share his fortune with me. Most men with his kind of wealth would want a prenup, and to be honest, I’d have gladly signed one if he did because I’d never dream of marrying someone for their fortune, but I think that’s one of the things that makes what we have work—the fact that we’re both so incredibly sure that this is forever for us.

“Maybe choosing the house we raise our children in will help you with that. You can pick any house you want, anywhere in the world. But something tells me you’ll want to stay in Oakwood Falls.”

“I would, Danny. I really would. I haven’t traveled a lot in my life, but I’ve never felt trapped there. It’s my home, you know? It’s not too small town for you, is it?”

“I’d be happy living in a cupboard as long as it’s with you.”

I smile and lean into him. “Has anyone ever told you you’re the best husband in the world?”

He grins. “You’re definitely the first, precious. And yours are the only lips I want to hear it from.” When he kisses me, I swoon. I don’t know how it’s possible to fall deeper in love with this man, but it keeps happening.

“Quit yer lip lockin’ and get in the damn plane,” the pilot yells. “We’ve got an interlockin’ flight to make.”

We pull apart, laughing and climb inside the plane, thanking Pania and Leith for taking such great care of us while we were here. In a way, I don’t want to leave. I’m in love with our little island. But at the same time, I’m eager to get home. I miss my family and friends, and I’m desperate to find out how Jolene is getting along.