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"Do you want to?" I ask.
"Never. Do you?" He responds.
"No, this is the most beautiful moment of my life," I confess. Jeffrey smiles and gently kisses on my forehead. He looks content as he wraps his arm around me, and together we drift off to sleep.
18
PHEBE
My heart raced as I left the beach house. I gasp at the sight before me, not expecting what I see after Jeffrey’s recent text. Candlelight glowed softly, casting enchanting shadows on the sand. A trail of rose petals leads me closer to the beachside, each step quickening my heartbeat. It’s been days since I spoke about my forced marriage, and Jeffrey had changed so much. I cherished every moment, reminiscent of our early years together. Despite his humble beginning, he had always been sweet, just like today. My heart continues to beat in my chest as I try to quell my excitement.
Jeffrey stands there, looking more handsome than ever in the dim light. The flickering candles and the moonlight accentuated his features, and the way his gaze lock onto mine sending shivers down my spine. I’m momentarily speechless, amazed by the effort he’s put into all of this.
A gentle smile curves his lips as he approaches me, extending his hand.
“Phebe,” he says, in a low, intense voice that weakens my knees.
“Jeffrey,” I whisper in response.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” he adds. The only sound in this moment is the crashing waves.
I slip my hand into his, feeling the warmth of his touch against mine. A surge of electricity shooting through me, causing a nervous laugh to escape.
“Jeffrey, this... It’s incredible.”
He simply smiles and leads me towards the main setup. My eyes widen as I take in the table for two, adorned with a pristine white tablecloth, delicate China, and the most exquisite bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen. Their fragrance merges with the faint scent of the ocean breeze. I’m amazed as he leads me to the table, glancing between Jeffrey and our surroundings. The table has been strategically placed to avoid any disturbances from the water reaching the beachside. Jeffrey briefly releases my hand, and I instantly yearn for his touch again.
“Please, have a seat,” he says, pulling out a chair for me. I sink into it, my heart racing even faster now. Jeffrey takes his seat across from me, his gaze unwavering and locked onto mine. We silently stare at each other, and I wonder how I missed all of this throughout the day? Not once did he drop a hint about any of it.
Silently, I watch as he retrieves the wine bottle from the ice bucket and pours it into two glasses.
“Here, please have it,” he offers, and I extend my hand to take the glass from him. I suppress a gasp as his fingers brush against mine, ending a tingling sensation through my hand. Hastily, I withdraw my hand.
“To a beautiful night ahead,” he proposes, raising his glass in a toast.
“To a beautiful night,” I echo, clinking my glass against his. The rich, velvety taste of the wine fills my mouth, but it’s Jeffrey’s intense gaze that truly captivates me. He is always full of surprises.
“I wanted tonight to be special,” he admits, his voice a mere whisper.
A moment just like we used to have when we were young.” His words make my heart feel as though it might burst from my chest. It is the sweetest thing I’ve heard all night. The fact that he mentions that part of our past gives me hope.
Memories of our passionate, undeniable connection come flooding back, breaking down the walls I have built around my heart in this ethereal setting. I find myself being drawn into the intensity of the moment.
“I remember those times,” I reply softly, never breaking eye contact with him.
Jeffrey’s lips form a half-smile.
“I remember them, too, Phebe. Memories like that are hard to forget, he says, a wistful look in his eyes. His words hang in the air, carrying a weight of unspoken meaning. The atmosphere seems to close in around us, leaving only the two of us suspended in this charged moment.
“I’ve held onto those memories for so long,” I confess, my voice trembling.
“But being here with you, in this moment, fees as though the past and present have collided.”
Jeffrey leans closer, his eyes locking onto mine with a newfound intensity.
“Phebe, I’m glad you’re here.”
His words hit me like a wave, crashing through my emotional barriers. In this dimly lit sanctuary, my fears seem to melt away. His vulnerability mirrors my own, and I can no longer hold back.
