Epilogue
Brando
Stepping into the cruise ship's swankiest restaurant, I wrap my arm around my wife's waist as we take in the sight. From floor to ceiling, the place is decorated for Valentine's Day with red roses on every table and Valentine's-themed decorations everywhere the eye can see.
The hostess seats us by the window as we look out at the Pacific. Tomorrow we will explore Ensenada, but today is all about romance and celebrating our love.
Joss grins at me as she takes a sip of her white wine.
"This was such a great idea," she says with a sigh.
"I was thinking we could take a longer cruise for our wedding anniversary in September?"
"Perfect," she says, smiling at me.
I place my hand on the table, and my wife reaches across, covering it with her small, soft hand. There's a look in her eyes that makes my stomach flip.
"I love you, Brando," she says with a serious tone.
"I love you too. Happy Valentine's Day, babe."
The waiter appears with heart-shaped menus, and I can't help but grin at the elaborate Valentine's presentation. Everything from the red cloth napkins to the rose petals scattered across our table screams romance. Even the wine glasses have little red hearts etched into them.
The restaurant fills with other couples, all dressed up for the holiday. The soft music playing overhead is all classic love songs, and I watch Joss sway slightly in her chair to the rhythm.
The waiter returns with champagne flutes filled with something pink and bubbly.
"Compliments of our Valentine's celebration. Rose champagne for our guests."
We raise our glasses, and the bubbles tickle my nose as I take a sip. Everything about this moment feels perfect, from the ocean view to the woman sitting across from me, her wedding ring catching the candlelight as she reaches for her glass.
"To our first Valentine's Day as husband and wife," I say.
"To many more," Joss responds, clinking her glass against mine and giving me a sexy smile.
The sun begins to set outside our window, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange that rival the restaurant's Valentine's color scheme.
Joss leans back in her chair with a contented sigh, and I can't help but smile at how perfectly content she looks.
This is what marriage should feel like, I think.
Easy and happy and exactly right.