Page 108 of Writing On The Wall

Our kiss heats up quickly, and if we weren’t currently on the front porch giving the neighbors a show they hadn’t bought tickets to see, it might have progressed to another level. But thankfully, Ethan has the presence of mind to calm things down before we make any old ladies faint or clutch their pearls. When I reluctantly pull back, he’s holding a small, flat box in his hand.

“What is this?” I ask as he places the box in my palm.

“Open it,” he grins.

The little box snaps open, revealing a delicate gold chain attached to the sides of a small, diamond-studded wreath. The elegance of its simple design is enhanced by the tiny light that shines on it from the roof of the box.

“Eth…” My voice comes out breathy as I stare at the necklace in awe. “It’s so beautiful.”

“In ancient Greece, newlyweds wore ivy wreaths to show their loyalty and devotion to one another.” He says as his eyes sweep over my face, a gentle smile on his lips.

My mouth splits into an elated grin at the information. “I love it! Will you fasten it?” I hand him the box, turning to lift my hair out of the way. He removes the necklace and drapes it in front of me before fastening the clasp, and then I feel agentle kiss being pressed right below my hairline, sending a shiver down to my toes. I’m so glad this man is my husband.

“Where’s your wreath? If newlyweds both wore them, shouldn’t you have one, too?” I ask, dropping my hair and turning around to find a heated look smoldering in Ethan’s eyes.

“Well…that scratch I told you I got yesterday when Marco and I were moving your things…It’s not really a scratch.” He grins cheekily as he begins to lift the bandage on the inside of his forearm.

“Oh, ” I gasp, covering my mouth with my hands. My eyes bounce back and forth between his arm and his stormy gray eyes. On the area between his wrist and the crease of his elbow is the most beautiful ivy vine tattoo. It’s simple and masculine, and I can’t believe this man got a tattoo because ofme. “okay, that is ridiculously cool,” I sigh, grabbing his shirt to pull him closer for another brain-fogging kiss.

Before Ethan came into my life, I never thought I’d find someone who could love me through all my chaos and mess. But the real difference now is that I’ve learned to love myself, and now I know I’m worthy of being loved so wildly and freely. The adventure I once feared would take him away from me has only brought us closer, because he’s chosen me to share his adventures with—and I’ve realized I quite like the idea of being spontaneous and adventurous with Ethan.

THE END