Love in Darkness (Castles on the Sand 2)

Epilogue

The last time I woke up pinned down by a girl, I panicked and threw her across the room. It’s different with Madison. I catch her scent and feel her nuzzle my cheek and have my arms around her before I’ve even woken up all the way. The feel of her in my arms still makes my head spin, despite all the months we’ve been back together.

Her hair’s still wet from the shower and she smells like hotel soap rather than the usual brand. I must’ve dozed off. It’s been an eventful day.

We’re in Oakland, in a hotel, and earlier today we visited the Temple wearing all white, knelt across an altar from each other, and committed to eternity together. My cousins and some family friends met us when we exited and that’s when my aunt pulled out a new power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, and trust agreement with a contingent special needs trust provision, all of which I signed on the spot. One of the temple workers was a notary who put his seal on the signatures. Madison’s brothers were there. Her parents were not. That’s not a situation that’s likely to work out anytime soon, but it’s a stress we’ve determinedly shelved for later.

After we finished posing for pictures, we all went out for sushi in lieu of a reception. We’ll have that in Pelican Bluffs after the honeymoon.

I think my cousins expected Madison and I to be giddy and giggly, but were surprised to see that we’re not. We’re calm. We’re aware. We’re ready for this. Come what may, we’ll face life’s ups and downs together.

Madison wore a stunning white kimono made by Siraj’s sisters, but that’s hung neatly over the bathroom door right now. She’s wearing just a bathrobe and unbuttons my shirt with kisses trailing in the wake of her fingers.

I sit up and take her mouth with mine, drawing the kiss out long. “I have no idea what I’m doing,” I whisper.

“That’s why I’m putting you on a practice regimen. A rigorous one.”

“Careful what you wish for.”

“Mmm, who’s wishing? I’m telling you how it is.” There is no apology in her smile.

Never in a million years did I think I’d make love to Madison Lukas – or Madison Katsumoto, actually. The guy who had her for eternity was supposed to be some super-handsome, hyper-competent individual who put me to shame, but Madison chose differently, and now it feels natural to have her this close, to have her kiss me like there aren’t any boundaries between us anymore.

Heaven is being with the people who love me. It’s somewhere I thought I’d lost for the rest of my lifetime, but now I’m here, with her. There may or may not be dark days ahead, but I won’t face them alone.

She tugs loose the belt of her bathrobe and smiles, daring the rebellious loser with a reputation for being a psycho to do his worst to the sweetest, kindest, most popular girl in school. It’s a scandal that I doubt will ever get old.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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