Page 17 of NYE in The Cayman Islands

His cock slips from inside me, and he turns me and lifts me up onto the vanity.

Our mouths connect in a frenzy, reassuring each other that nothing has changed in our physical relationship since Millie was born. This crazy-ass but soft and romantic man still rocks my world.

The sexual intensity slows in the kiss as we pull away to get some air into our lungs. I can see in Tate’s eyes everything he wants to say without making me feel like he is pushing me.

He is asking me to let him in. Not to push him away and let him love me.

“I’m trying,” I whisper.

“And that’s all I ask for.” They’re the words of reassurance I need to hear.

Dropping my head onto his shoulder and being once again wrapped in his arms, I just wish I could stay this way all night.

“We need to clean you up, because I know you aren’t going to want to sit down to dinner smelling like sex.”

And just that simple, sweet sentence of Tate caring about me has me laughing and crying at the same time. Happy tears, and I’ll take them over sad ones any day.

TATE

Hearing the pain in Bella’s voice earlier tonight as she poured out her innermost thoughts really hurt.

I don’t ever want her to feel less than she is.

But I had the realization that I need to be more attentive to her and my own feelings. I knew something was bothering her, and although I asked her, I just didn’t continue to try.

We both need to do better at being one in our marriage. To share not only the good times but the bad times and every little moment in between.

Sitting around the table on this spectacular balcony, overlooking the ocean and having the soft breeze blowing, I can’t help but feel blessed.

My wife is sitting next to me with a smile on her face that tells me she is feeling herself tonight, and to me that is just how I want to be ringing in the new year. With hope and positivity.

The food has been exquisite, but the company is even better.

“You know, I had my doubts about this trip when we arrived this morning, but as we are five minutes from midnight, I have to say, today has been great. I actually think you managed to pull it off, Tate.” Lex holds up his beer in the air toward me, and the others follow suit.

“Here’s to the man who talks the talk, but today, he actually walked the walk. Great fucking New Year’s Eve, my friend.” Lex is feeling merry and mellow after a night of drinking, but I’ll take that from him.

“Hear, hear.” They all cheer, and a part of me can finally stop panicking that I was going screw it up.

But I can’t let them get away with the smart comment.

“Was it ever in doubt?” I ask, taking a sip of my beer.

“Yes!” they all cry out at the same time.

“Wow, love you too, assholes,” I reply as they all burst out laughing.

“I really can’t wait to see what Lex comes up with for next year.” I look down at my watch. “You officially have one minute left until I hand over the baton, and I must say, it had better be impressive.”

“Oh, this year is going to be hell, isn’t it?” Mia giggles into her drink.

“Abso… fucking… lutely,” Bella replies as the fireworks down on the beach start shooting into the sky over the water.

“Happy New Year!” we all cry out at the same time as we hear the cry of others saying the same echoing around the resort.

Pulling Bella up with me as I stand, I take her in my arms, giving her all my wishes for the year ahead for both of us through the most passionate kiss. Dipping her back, I look down into her eyes.

“I love you, my beautiful Bella, and that’s all that matters. The rest we will figure out together.”

“I love you so much.” Her eyes are a little watery, but I know it’s for a good reason this time.

I stand with Bella by my side, looking around the table. “Here’s to another year of the crazy that we are together, and to happiness and good health.”

Clinking our glasses together, we celebrate in the only way we know how.

Together as one big, loud, chaotic framily. Just the way I like it.

Now let’s see what this new year brings and just how painful Lex will be.

Only time will tell.