Chapter 97 The One That Stayed

• The island sky burned gold as the last sunset draped itself over the water, casting molten light through the windows of their suite. The wind kissed soft at the curtains, teasing their edges as if even the breeze didn’t want to say goodbye.
• Knox lay back on the bed, one arm behind his head, the other cradling Ellerei’s waist as she curled against him, bare legs tangled over his. Her cheek rested against his chest, right over the spot where his heart had found a new rhythm. One shaped by her.
• They’d spent the day slow. Exploring the beach one last time. Swimming. Letting the sun soak into their bones. He’d carried her into the water and she hadn’t stopped smiling, even when he dunked her. Especially then.