"Hmm. It would be kind of fun to explore."
"I'm not so sure. Who knows what we'd uncover? People always seem to remember the dramatic parts of their lives. Why would that be different if you're trying to access other lifetimes? Some of it might not be pretty. Perhaps sleeping bears are best left alone."
Ella draws small circles on my forearm, thinking. "You're probably right. I've had enough drama in the last few years to last me several lifetimes. I don't need to know of any more struggles."
She snuggles deeper into my arms and lets out a sigh.
"That's assuming any of this is true. Though it has always felt like our souls are deeply connected."
The first rays of the sun rise out of the water, turning the sky brighter shades of orange and pink.
"It's so beautiful. Perhaps we should get married at dawn."
I chuckle. "You're not a morning person, Sunshine. Plus, you'd have to get up in the middle of the night to get ready. You wouldn't enjoy that."
"That's unfortunately true. I'd probably be cranky for the rest of the day. No, let's stick with our plan to get married at sunset."
"Yeah, it's a much safer option. And you'll have plenty of energy for our wedding night. I wouldn't want you to fall asleep on me now, would I?"
That makes her laugh. "There's no chance of that happening. This marriage will be consummated on our wedding night," she states confidently.
Damn straight it will.
We watch in silence as the sun makes its way out of the sea, the sky turning brighter and more colorful.
"Getting married here feels right... in the place where Tiero could be himself," Ella muses. "I'm closer to him here. I've noticed it already back in August."
"I get what you mean. It's the same for me."
"And you're truly okay with it?" she asks, her tone sincere.
Even with the promise we made to Tiero, I'm sure if I told her I wasn't, my Sunshine wouldn't hesitate to postpone our wedding and find a location that suited us both. But as it stands, I fell in love with this place on our first visit.
It surprised me. To be honest, I expected to feel awkward and out of place on an island that belonged to a man who once held my girl close here. But the opposite was the case.
There's something about this place that drew me in. Perhaps it's that soul connection Ella spoke about... who knows?
The only thing I couldn't tolerate was sleeping in the same bed Ella and Tiero had sex in. But that's sorted. Nothing stands in my way of total enjoyment now.
"I am. I can't explain that strange bond I had with Tiero to anybody but you. Well, perhaps Master Sachinanda would get it too, and Claudette. But I feel more complete here."
And after a short pause, I add, "Plus, you chose me. That definitely helps."
She laughs. It's carefree and happy, her eyes sparkling in the soft light. And I know I'd damn near do anything to see and hear her like this over and over again... for the rest of my life.
"Yes, I did," she agrees. "Wholeheartedly."
Chapter Six
Ella
It's day three of our wedding trip, and it's been heavenly.
I'm lying on my side, wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket. Content, I nuzzle into Aiden's pillow. It smells like him, putting a smile on my face.
I'm so in love with this man!
Yesterday, we spent a lazy day relaxing by the beach—sleeping, swimming, and, of course, making love under the warm sun.
