Part Nine:

He awoke later that night, reaching across the bed, only to find it empty. He rises up on his elbow and looks across the room. He sees her sitting on the couch, the blanket wrapped tightly around her as she stares out the window. He climbs out of bed, pulling on his boxers, before making his way over to her.  He sits down behind her, positioning her between his legs. He leans in close, resting his chin on her shoulder, “Hey gorgeous, penny for your thoughts.”

She leans her head back against his chest and pulls his arms tighter around her, “I’ve been sitting her for the past few hours, watching the storm, thinking about how much our lives have changed in the past two years.”

Bo kisses the back of her head, inhaling the smell of her perfume as it lingers on her skin. He leans back further on the couch, bringing her with him, until they’re perfectly spooned together on the couch, “Every thing that’s happened, both the good and the bad, has brought us to where we are right now.”

“If it hadn’t been for Amalya, if Rachel hadn’t died, would we have made it to this place? Would we be back together?”

Bo sighs and kisses her shoulder before turning her so she can look at him, “I love you, Nora. My heart’s been in love with you for twelve years. It was my mind that spent the past six years trying to convince my heart that I was over you. Rachel’s death and Amalya coming into our lives finally made me realize what my heart’s been trying to tell me al along; that you’re in my blood, Nora Buchanan. I promise you, nothing and I mean nothing will make me walk away.”

“I believe you Bo. I do, I just…”

“You just what, sweetheart?”

“I just…” she shakes her head, “I don’t know,” she laughs nervously, “I’m being silly I guess. I mean we talked about all of this before we decided to get back together. I just don’t want us to ever hurt each other again. I couldn’t bear to look in your eyes again and see that kind of pain and know that I was the one that put it there…”

Bo cuts her off, kissing her deeply. He breaks their kiss, “Honey, the past is the past. We buried it all that night, all the pain, the mistrust, all of the what could’ve and should’ve beens. We have so much to look forward to, there’s no need to look back.” He leans down and kisses her again, his hands caressing her as he begins to show here all they have to look forward to.

An hour later they are sitting in their seats as the pilot announces their final decent into the airstrip on St. Blaze’s Island. He takes her hand and kisses the rings adorning her left ring finger and squeezes her hand as the wheels touch down. A few minutes later he is leading her out of the plane and to the awaiting limo down below.

They ride along the shore, the moonlit ocean off in the distance. They arrive at the resort a few minutes later. Bo extends his hand as she slides out of the limo. She shivers once, the cool winter air blowing off the water only a short distance away. He removes his jacket and drapes it over her shoulders as he takes her hand leading her into the large lobby.

The bellboy slides their key into the lock and pushes the door open stepping in and placing their bags in the bedroom off to the left. Nora looks around the spacious room, every detail had been addressed, from her favorite flowers on the mantle, to their favorite foods waiting for them on the table. Nora walks over to the champagne chiller and picks up the note that is lying beside it on the table and reads it out loud, “All you have to do is ask. Every thing and every one is at your disposal. Have a great honeymoon, Love Asa.”

Nora shakes her head and places the note back down on the table. She walks over to where Bo is tipping the bellboy and wraps her arms around his waist. The bellboy says his goodbyes and Bo turns in her arms, pulling her tight, “So Mrs. Buchanan, you tired?”

“Nope,” she says with a kiss. She pulls him towards the terrace, “I feel like dancing.”

He flips the stereo on, leaving it on whatever station the last occupants had it on when a slow song begins to play. They walk out onto the large balcony. He pulls her against him, his hand finding its place on the small of her back.

Thank you for this moment
I've gotta say how beautiful you are
Of all the hopes and dreams I could have prayed for
Here you are

 

If I could have one dance forever
I would take you by the hand
Tonight it's you and I together
I'm so glad I'm your man

She lays her head against his shoulder, her face resting in the crook of his neck. She inhaled his lime scent, mixing with the scents being carried on the ocean breeze. She can feel his heart beating against her and the warmth of his arms shielding her from the cool air.

 

And if I lived a thousand years
You know I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day

 

But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you tonight

He can hear the surf pounding against the shore in the distance mixing with the sounds coming from the radio. He stepped back a few inches, causing her to lift her head off of his shoulder. He looks into her eyes. The moonlight reflects off her hair and in her eyes as he takes in the sight of her.

 

I don't hear the music
When I'm looking in your eyes
But I feel the rhythm of your body
Close to mine

 

It's the way we touch, it soothes me
It's the way we'll always be
Your kiss your pretty smile
You know I’d die for you

She reaches out and lays her hand on his cheek, slowly slipping it behind his neck. She pulls him down to her, kissing him. Their kiss deepens both of her arms now wrapped around his neck, pulling him tighter against her.

 

Oh baby
You're all I need
And if I lived a thousand years
You know I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day

 

But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told

They continue to sway to the music as their tongues continue a passionate dance of their own. They break their kiss as he turns her in his arms, wrapping them around her from behind. They stand together on the balcony watching the moonlight dancing on the water as it rolls onto the shore.

 

And did I tell you that I love you
Just how much I really need you
Did I tell you that I love you tonight
 
And if I lived a thousand years
You know I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day

She turns in his embrace reaching down to take his hand. He brings their intertwined hands up to his lips and places a gentle kiss on the top of her hand before leading her inside.

 

But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told

 

And did I tell you that I love you
Just how much I really need you

 

They made love until just before dawn, and as the sun began to slowly peak over the horizon, bathing the sand in the richest reds and oranges ever seen, they lie in each other’s arms…

Did I tell you that I love you tonight?

“Greatest Story Ever Told” by Oliver James