14. Epilogue
Sarah
One year later
Getting out of the car, the same one I had last year, I can't help but take a deep breath and soak in the smell of the ocean. The salt lingering in the air. I can't help but smile at all the memories that come to my mind with just the look of the cruise ship. The one that brought us together, The Infinity Voyager.
A rough hand grips my waist as soft lips brush against the spot on my neck that gets me going every time. "Are you ready to board, my darling wife?"
Wife. That's right, we got married earlier this week and we're now spending our honeymoon on the ship that showed us we were meant to be together. A year ago, when I’d boarded, I was overworked and just needed a break. You can imagine my horror when we were shoved together, literally. The cruise line had booked us for the same room and couldn't help us with the confusion. But they gave us vouchers for a free cruise in the future and we used those vouchers for this trip.
Instead of a three-day cruise, we decided to go on a two week one around the Caribbean. I bet we end up doing more vacations on this ship in the future, it will always have a soft spot with me. Turning, I look at my handsome husband. "Yes. I'm ready, husband. Did you tip the driver?"
"Shit. I love it when you call me that. Yes, I did," he says as he hands me my suitcase.
Giving him a chaste kiss, I grab my suitcase from him whispering, "Well get used to it. And if you're good, I'll call you that while I'm coming."
"Darling," he growls and I can't help but giggle.
Stepping back, I grab my suitcase, and we both make our way onto the gangway. After about an hour, we’ve made it onto the ship and are exploring the main deck until its time for the safety brief.
As we walk down the deck, I see a small ice cream place tucked in between two of the restaurants. "Hey, do you remember that place?" I ask Barrett, pointing toward the door.
"No. But honestly, the only thing I remember about that trip was how I was going to convince you to stay with me."
"Can we get some?"
"Of course," he says as he walks toward the door of the parlor. A bell goes off as soon as the door opens, letting whoever runs this place know that we're here. As soon as I step inside, I gasp. It feels like I've traveled to another time. It's a quaint little room with pink and white striped walls. A small bar that is filled with ice cream buckets, each with unique labels.
"How cute are the names of each ice cream?" I say looking over my shoulder as I smile at my husband.
"Very cute," he says returning my smile.
"Can I help you?" a young blonde girl asks us, interrupting our flirting.
"Yes. Could I get a sample of Tropspicy?"
"Of course." She looks at me with a grin, grabbing a small spoon and scooping up a taste of the ice cream flavor. Handing it to me she continues, "I think that will be a perfect flavor for you."
Not waiting, I eat the sample in one bite and as soon as the ice cream hits my tongue my taste buds burst with flavor, the perfect combination of pineapple and ginger. Sweet and spicy. Neither of them taking over, just perfectly balanced.
Once I'm done with the flavor, I nod at the girl, "Mmm…yes I'll take a small cone."
"Perfect," she says as she starts to scoop out my ice cream. Once she's done, she looks over at Barrett. "Would you like one?"
"Mmm…I'll have the malt my balls." As soon as the words leave his mouth, all three of us let out a huge laugh. I always love it when he laughs. He doesn't do it often, but when he does, it's one of the best sounds ever.
As soon as her laughter dissipates, she scoops a small cone for Barrett. She hands it to him, and he takes a bite. "Mmm…Malt chocolate. Tastes great."
"Wonderful."
Barrett pays the girl and we leave the ice cream shop, heading toward a bench I spied in the corner of the ship. I don't stop to wait for Barrett because I know that he'll follow. We sit down and I take in the energy of the ship, it feels different from last time.
"You know, when I boarded the ship last time, I planned on just sleeping in my cabin the whole time. Maybe sitting by the pool but I just wanted a break. This time I can actually feel the adventure," I say as I lick my ice cream cone.
"Same. I actually remember trying to figure out how I could get to my cabin faster, before the safety brief because there were too many people, but then I saw you. It changed for me in that moment."
"Really?"
"Yep. I'm not sure I could ever want to do any life without you in it," he says and I can't help but swoon.
"Same. I've never been happier, husband." Leaning in, I give him a kiss. He tastes like the mix of our ice creams together.
"I love you, wife."
"Love you too, husband."
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