Page 71 of The Rebel

‘Come on, you sentimental sap.’ She tugs on my hand and we fall into step, in sync, in love, so damn much it hurts.

As we near the end of the beach I hear kids’ laughter and it’s the sweetest sound ever. There’s a bunch of them, about fourteen of varying ages, playing cricket in the garden behind the villas where they back onto the beach.

I hear good-natured ribbing and more laughter, and damned if I don’t want to cry.

‘You did good,’ she says, sliding her arm around my waist. ‘And I love you, every big-hearted, generous inch of you.’

Her complete and utter devotion makes me want to cry more, so I dip my head to whisper in her ear, ‘I have some very generous inches waiting for you to appreciate when we get to the cave.’

‘Sex maniac.’ She laughs and snuggles in tighter.

‘Yeah, but I’m your sex maniac, for however long you want.’

‘How about forever?’

‘Sounds like a plan.’

My voice breaks a little and she knows how much her promise means to me, the sheen in her eyes as we lock gazes telling me that maybe, just maybe, I can believe in forever, with her.