Chapter 1222

The water was cool and clean. Susan climbed onto his back with a laugh, soaking him completely, and he grabbed her thighs to lift her higher. Emma was humming some melody none of them recognized but all of them felt. Layla and Rose were dancing chest-deep in the current, spinning in slow circles with their fingers laced. Natalie floated on her back, her breasts glinting in the light, hair fanning around her like a crown.

Sophie kissed Lucy in front of him, not out of possession but out of sheer joy. Jude watched their mouths move together, Lucy's fingers sliding along Sophie's hip. The river had become a temple, their bodies offerings, every laugh and sigh a prayer.

Zoey wrapped her arms around Jude from behind, her lips brushing his shoulder. "We should build something here," she said. "A place for the water to meet the fire. A home at the edge."

He turned to look at her. "You really want to stay in this spot?"