by L. B. Dunbar
“Thank fuck,” I murmured, rolling her to lay with her back to me. My arm slipped between her breasts, and her hand guided me to rest my flattened palm flat over her heart.
“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect, but I’m asking permission to spend each day of my life trying to prove to you that I’m good. You deserve any fantasy you wish, and I want to make them all a reality.” I tugged her to me, relishing the feel of her heartbeat under my hand, in a position we had perfected together.
She rolled to face me, kissing down my chest to my heart. My breath hitched, desperate eyes following her trail. I was the man that fell to my knees and said I’d submit to her, as long as she promised not to leave. She whispered to my heart, saying the same words she’d said in a tent, on an island, after I asked her to hold me for the night. I’d made a mistake that night as well, but she forgave me. As she’d forgiven me again and again, because that’s what love does. I reached for her left hand and pulled it up to my mouth, kissing over the engagement ring.
“I haven’t taken it off,” she murmured, looking up at me with those eyes that could pierce my heart and warm me with their heat.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I love you wildly,” she replied, and I tugged her to me. Those were the only words that needed to be said.
Epilogue
The island sees them
They stood on the stern of the catamaran named Second Chance, holding hands as the captain of the ship read the words joining them as husband and wife. After reuniting, they returned to the island for this moment. The breeze whipped at her hair, loosening some light brown strands to dance around her face. She looked wild and natural and beautiful. Her head held a crown of tropical flowers, making her appear like an island princess. Dressed in the same dress she wore the night of his proposal, she stared up at him as he said I do, and the words whispered in the wind.
The turquoise water rippled around them in the wide cove. Only a few witnessed their joining. A man in a summer suit stood behind her, beaming like a proud friend. The other man, with spiked hair, stood to his side, a newfound brother. The island was the most important audience, proudly standing in the background. The captain addressed her next, explaining her vows.
I do, she replied, a soft choke to her voice, the squeak of a small animal. She swallowed and smiled, teeth bright and lips rosy as a tear trickled from her eye. He reached for her jaw, thumbed over the wetness. He wanted to kiss her then, and the captain noticed the urgency.
“Wait,” the captain chuckled. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. Now you may kiss your bride.”
She was tugged to him by the strength of that touch, their mouths joined together with the same passion he intended to use as they spent their first official night together as man and wife. A small place had been arranged for their wedding night, the secret well kept. It would only be one night. Just one, he whispered as he worked. But they’d have all the nights for the rest of their life together.
The catamaran pushed closer to the sandy shore, and they jumped into the sea. Cameras snapped images to commemorate the moment, but they’d eternally rest in their memories. Her laughter. His kisses. Them holding onto one another. They walked in sodden clothing to the shore and she stared at the empty beach.
Where is it? she chuckled, nervously looking toward the trees. There was no tent, no fire pit, no circle of stumps.
I have some place special to take you. He stepped toward the trees and found a small trunk hidden behind one in particular. Opening the latch, he pulled out her old hiking boots, along with a pair for him.
She laughed, asking where he found them. He chuckled sheepishly explaining he’d found them in her things. The wedding dress will slow her down a bit, but they had all evening, all year, all of eternity, he assured her.
I look ridiculous, she said, glancing down at her hiking boots under her sodden wedding dress.
You look beautiful, he assured her, as he had said hundreds of times before, reaching for her and kissing her. He took her hand, walking backward toward the brush, as he guided her.
You trust me, right? The island caught the words, and the leaves rustled around them, surrounding them in comfort.
Of course. Wide eyes and a reassuring smile let him know he was trusted. He was redeemed. He was loved. She fell in line beside him as they slowly traipsed through the foliage. They passed the pond, promising to return later. Continuing on a path that was initially overgrown but currently had hints of recent activity, they followed the subtle line through the trees until they reached the opening where the trunks stood slightly farther apart.
Her hands covered her mouth as she stared up at the tree.
Her tree.
And her newly restored tree house.
It was bigger than the original, broader and better fortified. It didn’t exactly have plumbing, but it had a small tank filled with water that could be pumped up a pipe to a newly installed sink. The rope ladder remained, only the new one was wider and secured to the jungle floor for the moment.
I want to carry you over the threshold, so you go first, but wait for me on the landing. His command was simple. She followed his lead.
Are you looking up my skirt? she teasingly chided as she climbed.
You know it. Laughter filled the air around them. She waited for him as he had asked, waited as he had promised to come to her. Scooping her up in his arms, they crossed into the room, which held a beautiful canopy bed dressed in extensive mosquito netting. Lanterns and candles graced the table, slightly larger than her original desk, and two camp chairs stood on either side of it. A dresser was added along with a cabinet near the sink. It wasn’t refined, but it wasn’t as rustic as the original. It was something in between, and it was a good place for a new beginning.
Mrs. Corbin, he addressed her, setting her on her feet. Welcome to the island, where I plan to take advantage of you in hundreds of ways, if you’ll let me. The wind rippled outside the window, blushing with his plea.
Mr. Corbin, she sweetly replied, tipping up in her hiking boots and wrapping her arms around his neck. You know all you have to do is ask.
Night descended, and the island seemed to sigh in relief at the restoration of two souls joining as one.
Thank you
This story came on like a storm. For one solid month, I wrote, averaging anywhere from 6,000-10,000 words a day. Any author will tell you that’s insane, and that’s how this story felt. It consumed me. The idea of redemption, forgiveness, and love was so strong, it crept through my bones. I lived for these characters. And I hope you are living for them now as well.
Huge thank you to Shannon for another amazing cover and the patience of a saint as I went back and forth in my decision. Thank you again and again to my editor, Kiezha, for additional words of wisdom. Extra hugs to Molly McLain (USA Today Bestselling author of Can’t Shake You) for your additional eyes, your inspiring words, and your tender support. More love to Karen for her eagle eyes at proofreading and Lisa for another set. Huge hugs to Linda at Foreword PR who has helped me in so many ways, mainly telling me I must do it—and learning she’s right! Much love and laughs to my reader group, Loving L.B., for hanging out day in and day out.
Extra love always to my family. Thankfully, this was written in the summertime and MD, MK, JR and A were all at work while I wrote my days away. This meant dinner was only late a few times. More hugs to Mr. Dunbar, who lets me do my thing.
Again, I hope you’ve enjoyed Tack and Juliet’s story. Tune in for more, and in the meantime, keep in touch…
Connect with L.B. Dunbar
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More Work by L.B. Dunbar
The Sensations Collection
Small town, sweet and sexy stories of family and love.
Sound Advice
Taste Test
Fragrance Free
Touch Screen
Sight Words
The Legendary Rock Star Series
Rock star mayhem in the tradition of King Arthur.
A classic tale with a modern twist of romance and suspense.
The Legend of Arturo King
The Story of Lansing Lotte
The Quest of Perkins Vale
The Truth of Tristan Lyons
The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance
Paradise Stories
MMA chaos of biblical proportion between two brothers and
the fight for love.
Paradise Tempted: The Beginning
Paradise Fought: Abel
Paradise Found: Cain
Stand Alones
The Sex Education of M.E.
The History in Us
The Island Duet
Redemption Island
Return to the Island
Modern Descendants – writing as elda lore
Hades
Solis
Heph
About the Author
L.B. Dunbar loves the sweeter things in life: cookies, Coca-Cola, and romance. Her reading journey began with a deep love of fairy tales, medieval knights, Regency debauchery, and alpha males. She loves a deep belly laugh and a strong hug. Occasionally, she has the energy of a Jack Russell terrier. Accused—yes, that’s the correct word—of having an overactive imagination, to her benefit, such an imagination works well. Author of over a dozen novels, she’s created sweet, small town worlds; rock star mayhem; MMA chaos; sexy rom-coms for the over 40; and suspense on an island of redemption. In addition, she is earning a title as the “myth and legend lady” for her modernizations of mythology as elda lore. Her other duties in life include mother to four children and wife to the one and only.
Table of Contents
Other Books by L.B. Dunbar
Inspiration
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Epilogue
Thank You
Connect with L.B. Dunbar
More by L.B. Dunbar
About the Author