Cupcakes, Cuddles & Curls

Chapter 27

The next three days unfold in a haze of sun-drenched moments, each one a perfect blend of warmth and laughter. By day, they bask by the shimmering pool, the scent of salt and sunscreen heavy in the air as they dive into the cool embrace of the water. Their feet sink into the soft sand as they take long, leisurely walks, the sound of the gentle waves crashing in the distance providing a constant soundtrack to their carefree conversations. Laughter flows freely as they sample every exotic dish, each bite a new adventure, the flavors of tropical fruits and spices lingering on their tongues like memories they'll never forget.

But it's the nights that feel like a secret they share just between them. Once Cassie drifts off to sleep, the quiet of the evening wraps around them like a velvet blanket. Louis and Harry retreat to the deck outside their room, where the world feels still, the air cool and filled with the scent of ocean mist. The sky stretches out above them in shades of amber and rose, the sun dipping slowly beneath the horizon, painting the world in soft hues of twilight. They sit close, their shoulders brushing, a shared silence hanging between them that's filled with unspoken affection.

From the deck, they look out over the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora, the ocean reflecting the fading light in a dazzling dance of colors. The sound of the waves breaking against the shore fills the air, soothing their senses as they watch the last traces of sunlight disappear, leaving the sky scattered with stars. Every evening feels like a sacred ritual, a quiet celebration of their love, a peaceful moment of calm after the bustle of entertaining a four-year-old. In each other's company, the world feels right, and for a few precious hours, they are completely, beautifully content.

Today is their last day on the island, and the air feels heavy with the bittersweet mix of anticipation and sorrow. The trio is getting ready for their final adventure, a thrilling farewell to their tropical paradise. As Harry hangs up the phone, he turns to Louis with a glint of excitement—and maybe a hint of nerves—in his eyes.

"Are they going to meet us on the beach?" Harry asks, his voice bright but edged with a flicker of uncertainty, his nerves betraying his excitement.

Louis glances down at his phone for a moment before tucking it into his pocket, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, they'll meet us there with the ATVs. They said it's going to be a two-and-a-half-hour tour."

The thought of the ride makes Harry's eyes widen, a mixture of excitement and apprehension stirring within him. He bounces on his feet, trying to shake off the nervous energy bubbling up in his chest. "I'm excited and nervous. I don't want to crash," he says, his laughter light but a little strained, as if the thought of crashing is very real in his mind.

Louis smirks, the mischievous glint in his eyes growing. "Well, I mean... If anyone's going to crash, it's going to be you and your uncoordinated ass," he teases, his voice dripping with affection and playful mockery.

Harry's face falls into a dramatic pout, his lower lip jutting out in the most exaggerated way. He pouts even harder, making his eyes impossibly wide, and whines, "Heeeey," the words practically a whimper of mock indignation. Despite the faux offense, there's a glimmer of mischief dancing in his gaze.

Louis chuckles, his heart swelling with warmth at the sight of Harry's exaggerated sulk. He takes a step closer, reaching out to gently nudge Harry's shoulder, his fingers brushing against him. "I'm just messing with you," he says, voice softening, though his grin never falters. "You'll be fine. I'm sure you'll look great crashing into the sand."

Harry rolls his eyes, but his lips twitch upward in spite of himself. "You're mean," he grumbles, but there's no real heat in his words—just the easy comfort of their playful dynamic, their bond deepened by the warmth of this last morning together.