Chapter 36 #2
We destroyed the cake as we all crowded around the extensive wooden trestle, the night air turning crisp, the band sharing old road stories and trading barbs as dusk fell.
Later that evening, as the house lit up from within like a warm gold lantern set against the shadowy Forest Hills ridge, Jude caught my hand beneath the table.
He gave me a lingering, meaningful look, pulling me away from the happy chaos.
We walked hand in hand through the grove of ancient oaks, towards the lake.
Small twigs snapped underfoot until we reached our petite beach.
We turned to glance back at our home, at the silhouettes of our friends and family moving past the glowing iron-wrought windows and sitting around the outdoor hearth.
The sound of their distant laughter drifted over the grass.
Jude stepped behind me, wrapping his sinewed arms about my waist and pulling me to his chest, locking out the cold.
He leaned close to my ear, whispering in it.
‘If I had to burn through every damn fire in this universe just to live this moment, I’d do it -.’
‘Because infinity belongs to us.’
I finished the line for him, reaching back to stroke his face.
‘You know I’ve listened to that song daily since you sent it to me?’
He arched a brow, lips quirking. ‘Is that right?’
‘Cross my heart, you need to release it hon, it’d be an instant hit.’
He shook his head, his eyes solemn.
‘No, it’s ours, just for us two.’
‘My rockstar is so sentimental.’
‘He’s a man head over freakin’ heels in adoration with his wife.
Grazie bella, for an amazing day. I love you so much, Sofia,’ he murmured into my ear, his rough rasp sending a delicious spike of heat down my spine.
‘I think I’ve loved you from the second you barreled into me, racing away from the airport ticket desk. ’
I turned around within his embrace, crossing my hands behind his neck as I gazed up into his stunning, jade eyes.
‘I’ve loved you from the exact moment I bumped into your muscled chest, lost my footing, and fell flat on my ass. You were the most terrifying yet beautiful man I’d ever seen.’
We chuckled, staring into each other’s eyes, still in awe of our love.
‘Thank you for today,’ he growled. ‘It’s been the best.’
‘You’re welcome, honey.’
‘I’ve got something for you.’
As Jude spoke, he reached into his jacket and withdrew an envelope.
I arched a brow. ‘What’s this?’
‘Open it.’
I had no clue what to expect, given I had everything I needed in my world now.
What else could he give me?
I tore apart the paper to reveal a letter and a check attached to it.
My forehead furrowed as I read the words, not quite believing it.
I gasped, my eyes flicking up to lock on Jude’s with disbelief.
‘Is this what I think it is?’
‘It is, babe. You might not want my money, but at least you now have yours. I managed to track down Talento Italiano. After a rather fiery chat with their CEO, supported by my legal team, they rushed that check over to me, via courier. It’s the millions you’re owed from all your work years ago.’
I bent over, breathless, hands on my knees in shock.
Jude’s gentle touch came around me as he clasped me, rubbing my back as I took in the news.
I tilted my face to him, blinking away tears. ‘You did this for me?’
‘I did babe, you deserve this and more.’
Still shaking my head in disbelief, I reached out to tug him down to me.
‘Come here, amore mio.’
Our kiss was deep, slow, and sweet, a quiet seal on our commitment to forever.
As our lips parted, a shadow rushed through the air above the tree canopy.
We both lifted our eyes to the starlight as a massive hawk-eagle soared on the wind.
Its broad wings gleamed with a silver glow as they skimmed the lake waters.
With a flap of its mighty pinions, it soared upward and disappeared into the high heavens, leaving us gasping in wonder, in each other’s arms.
The universe in all its vastness would never notice us, but standing here in the dark, intertwined as one, infinity belonged to us.