“I was sad, but I didn’t know why then. I do now. It was because I was always meant to be with you, and I’ve known that for almost as long as I’ve known you. Please don’t look at those photos and think that’s what I really want. It isn’t.” She took his hand and brought it to her lips. “This is. You are. We are.”

“I know, baby.” He leaned over to kiss her. “I know that.” Closing the book, he put it on the bedside table and then turned to face her, putting his arm around her. “Thanks for sharing that with me, and thanks for giving me the real you. That’s always going to be exactly what I want.”

“Thank you for accepting me as I am, for the incredible way you take care of me and Holden, and for giving up your carefree life to take on an insta-family.”

“Best decision I ever made. I was thinking about that day recently, watching the boats leave and remembering last Columbus Day when the last boat left without me for the first time in years. I knew then that I was committing to forever with you, and I haven’t regretted it for one second. I never will.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“You didn’t wonder, did you?”

“Not really, but it’s still nice to hear.” With her hand flat on his belly, she kissed his chest. “I thought you’d be exhausted after being up all night.”

“I’m too excited to sleep. My sisters get here today, the others tomorrow. We’ve got our rehearsal dinner tonight and the wedding tomorrow.”

She was thrilled to hear him say he was excited. “And you’re going to be facedown on the table tonight if you don’t get some sleep.”

“My little man will be awake soon.”

“I’ll take care of him this morning so you can sleep.”

“I don’t want to sleep when I can be with you guys.”

“You get to be with us every day for the rest of our lives.” She kissed him. “Close your eyes.”

“Don’t wanna.”

“Owen…”

His devilish smile lit up his face. “Make me.”

She lifted herself up and over him, kissing each eyelid until he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. “Now keep them closed.”

He put his arms around her, bringing her down on top of him. “Stay with me. Can’t sleep without you.”

“Only until Holden wakes up.”

“I’ll take whatever I can get.”

She placed soft kisses on his eyelids, his cheeks and lips, stopping only when she felt him begin to harden beneath her. “Don’t even think about it.”

“I don’t have to think about it. Just happens.”

“I’m out of here.”

“No! I’ll behave. I promise.”

“That’s an empty promise if I’ve ever heard one.”

“Stay,” he whispered.