Epilogue Part 1

(One Month Later)

Laina

I buried my toes in the wet sand seconds before the wave rolled up the beach to engulf my ankles. The water was warm and crystal clear.

I lifted my gaze to stare across the turquoise waters and out at the horizon. There wasn’t a thing in sight as far as the eye could see. Nothing but water and blue sky and sunshine.

This was paradise.

I wiggled my toes in the sand, feeling the grains nibble at my skin as they settled deeper. I smiled as I sank a little farther with each wave.

Mason came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. His chin pushed into my shoulder, and he kissed my cheek. “What are you thinking about?”

I stared out at the horizon again. “How good life is.”

He chuckled. I felt the rumble in his chest as he pressed up against my back. “Life is good. You’re right. And this view,” he said with a sigh, “this view is unlike anything I ever thought I’d be lucky enough to see.