Epilogue
One thing Alex learned over the next decade was that love was an infinitely renewable resource. The love he had for Verity increased by the day, and when she got pregnant with their first child, he felt that love grow. Expand. Change shape as he appreciated new things about her.
When she gave birth to their first child, it was like discovering love all over again.
And the same was true with their second, and their third.
Back at the over-water villa for their anniversary, he had to admit that it was different now. Not so much a grotto of sex and privacy. His children’s screams filled the air as they splashed each other in the waves beneath the full moon, the sky scattered with stars.
He gave thanks for the additional rooms they’d had built on a few years back.
“Not exactly a private island anymore,” Verity said, sitting beside him, mirroring his thoughts.
“No. It’s a family island.” He turned to her and smiled. “I think that’s better. I’ve had enough isolation.”
“I agree.” She grabbed his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. “Look. The stars are out. You could make a wish.”
“Little Cricket,” he said, kissing her on the head. “Don’t you know I already have everything I could ever want?”