Page 17 of One Night Forever
“You coming home with me?” I ask, but it sounds more like a statement.
“Yeah,” she replies softly. “I don’t think I could sleep alone. You’ve ruined me.”
I laugh. “That’s good, baby, because you’ve ruined me too. I fucking love you.”
The words slip out before I can stop them, hanging in the air between us. Bella's eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. For a moment, I'm terrified I've said too much too soon.
But then her face breaks into the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen and her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I love you too," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion. "God, I can't believe this is happening."
I pull her closer, my heart beating rapidly. Fuck, I’ve never been this happy. Not fucking ever. "Believe it, baby. You're mine now." I capture her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, pouring every ounce of my love into it. When we finally break apart, we're both breathless.
"I've never felt this way about anyone before," I admit, running my fingers through her silky hair.
She nuzzles against my neck. "Me neither. It's scary, but in the best possible way."
I tighten my arms around her, loving the warmth of her body against mine. She rests her head against my chest and within minutes I feel her fall asleep in my arms.
Hours later, the pilot's voice crackles over the intercom, informing us we'll be landing soon. Bella jolts in my lap, her eyes filled with sleep, and it doesn’t take long for reality to seep in.
We’re home. Everything could change and while I know that Bella’s hesitant, I won’t let her rebuild those walls. She’s mine, the woman I love and the woman I’m going to marry.
She climbs back into her seat, and I help her buckle her seatbelt. As the plane begins its descent, Bella reaches for my hand, interlacing our fingers.
"So, your place?" she asks with a coy smile.
I grin, bringing her hand to my lips for a kiss. "Definitely. And I plan on keeping you there.”
Epilogue
ARABELLA
“Tell me everything,” I breathe as we take our seats at the restaurant.
We used to go out and catch up by drinking and partying, but things change, and circumstances change. Right now, Cherry’s seven months pregnant and I’m five months, Juni’s not long given birth. So, alcohol isn’t something any of us are drinking.
But tonight isn’t about the three of us, it’s about Cherry’s best friend—and our friend—Amanda. The woman is drop dead gorgeous and is without a doubt one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. She’s had a rough time over the past few months.
Five months ago, she was planning on marrying Aaron. She loved him, she really did, but that love died when Amanda discovered that he had been sleeping with her mom. Shock doesn’t even describe how any of us felt when she told everyone at the wedding, but my beautiful friend is strong and has come out of the other side, thanks to her family and friends.
“What?” Amanda asks, glancing around at all of us, her cheeks red as she pushes her hair behind her ear.
“You and Frankie,” Cherry grins.
Cherry and Amanda have been the best of friends ever since they were young. They've been through a lot, including Cherry falling in love with Amanda’s dad whose baby she’s currently carrying.
“What about Frankie?” Amanda says trying to act innocent.
“I saw you,” I say with a laugh. “You were so cozy together. You looked cute. We’re not pushing you about anything, Mandy, we just want you to be happy.”
Cherry nods in agreement. “That’s all any of us want for you.”
She sighs. “He’s amazing,” she whispers.
Cherry squeals with delight, clapping her hands together. "I knew it! Oh, Mandy, I'm so happy for you. Tell us everything!"
Amanda's blush deepens, but a small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. "There's not much to tell, really. We've just been spending more time together lately, and I don't know. It feels different."
I lean forward, intrigued. "Different how?"
