The next morning, Gabby woke up to the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore. The soft rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, making the whole room glow. Zay was still asleep beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.
She couldn't help but smile as she watched him sleep. After everything she'd been through—being on her own, growing her business, and taking a leap of faith with Zay—she finally felt at peace.
Zay shifted in his sleep, pulling her closer, and mumbled, "You still up?"
Gabby laughed softly, stroking his chest. "Yeah. Just thinking about how lucky I am."
Zay's eyes opened, and he flashed her that crooked smile that made her heart skip a beat. "You ain't the only one. I've been thinkin' the same thing."
She chuckled, rubbing her face against his. "You know I don't really do the whole 'feelings' thing. But with you... I feel like I can finally be myself. The real me. And I love that."
Zay kissed the top of her head. "That's all I ever wanted, baby. I'mma always be here for you. Ain't no need to hide with me."
A Day of Adventure
After a lazy morning in bed, Gabby and Zay decided to venture out. They rented a private boat, just the two of them, and spent the day cruising through the crystal-clear waters. Gabby leaned back on the deck, the breeze ruffling her hair as Zay steered the boat.
"You good?" he asked, his eyes never leaving the water.
"Yeah, I'm perfect," she replied with a grin. "This is the life, Zay. I'm not going back to the way I was. Not ever."
Zay glanced over at her, his eyes softening. "I'm glad to hear that, G. You deserve all this and more."
He pulled the boat to a small island, and they spent hours walking along the beach, collecting seashells and taking pictures. Gabby found herself laughing more than she had in years, feeling truly free.
Later, they shared a quiet dinner by the water, watching the sun set. Zay looked at her across the table, his expression serious for a moment.
"I've been thinkin' about something," he said, his voice low.
Gabby raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"
Zay took a deep breath. "I know we ain't in no rush, but I want you to know... I'm ready. Ready to take that next step, whenever you are. You, me, our business... our future. I want all of it with you, Gabby."
Gabby's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. Zay had always been straightforward, but hearing him say this made her feel a deep warmth in her chest.
"I'm ready too," she whispered, reaching for his hand. "Whenever that next step is, I'm with you."
Later That Night
As the stars blanketed the sky, they found themselves on the balcony of their villa, the world around them quiet and peaceful. Gabby rested her head on Zay's shoulder, her fingers tracing circles on his chest.
"You know, this is all I ever wanted," she murmured, her voice soft.
Zay kissed her forehead. "Yeah? What do you mean?"
"Just... peace. Real peace. And being with you. It's everything I never knew I needed."
Zay smiled, running his hand through her hair. "You got me, G. I'm always gon' be here, no matter what. Forever."
Gabby smiled up at him, her heart full. "Forever," she echoed.
They kissed under the stars, their love as deep as the ocean that stretched out before them.
To Be Continued...
