CHAPTER 12

Chapter Twelve: A Love That Feels Like Home

The warmth of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden hues over Isabella and Alexander as they lay wrapped in each other's arms. The past night had been nothing short of magical—a collision of passion, whispered promises, and the unspoken certainty that they belonged together.

Isabella stirred, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on Alexander's bare chest. She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her touch, a rhythm that now felt like home.

"You're awake," Alexander murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

She smiled, looking up at him. "I am. I was just… enjoying the moment."

He tightened his hold around her, pulling her even closer. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you go anytime soon."

Her heart fluttered. "Not even if I ask nicely?" she teased.

He rolled her onto her back in one swift motion, hovering above her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Not even then."

Isabella laughed, her fingers threading through his hair. "I like the sound of that."

"Do you?" His voice was soft, yet there was an edge of intensity in his gaze. "Because I meant what I said last night, Isabella. Stay with me. Not just for a few days. Not just for the moment." He traced a finger down her cheek. "I want you in my life. Every morning, every night."

Her breath hitched, emotions surging within her. She had spent so long fearing love, fearing commitment. But with Alexander, none of it felt terrifying. It felt right.

"I want that too," she whispered.

His smile was slow, breathtaking. "Say it again."

"I want to stay with you," she repeated, her voice unwavering. "I belong with you."

Alexander's lips captured hers in a kiss so deep, so filled with love, it left her breathless. She melted into him, letting the moment consume her.

As their kisses grew more urgent, their bodies pressing together, Isabella let out a soft sigh. "I could get used to waking up like this," she murmured against his lips.

He smirked. "You better. Because I plan on making sure this is how we start every morning."

She giggled, playfully shoving his chest. "That sounds like a challenge."

His eyes darkened with desire. "One I'm more than willing to accept."

Their morning was spent wrapped in each other, lost in lingering touches and whispered confessions.

Later that day…

Alexander had insisted on taking Isabella out, claiming that he wanted to celebrate their new beginning.

He had driven them to a secluded beachside restaurant, the kind of place where the world felt far away, where it was just the two of them. The gentle ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and fresh flowers, and the soft glow of candlelight flickered between them as they sat at a private table overlooking the waves.

Isabella watched Alexander from across the table, her heart full. "You're really pulling out all the stops, aren't you?"

He took a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving hers. "Only the best for the woman I love."

Her breath caught. They had exchanged so many words of affection, but hearing him say love so openly, so effortlessly, made her pulse race.

"You love me?" she asked softly, as if needing to hear it again.

Alexander reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I've loved you since the moment you walked into my life, Isabella. Even when you left, even when I tried to move on… it was always you."

Tears welled in her eyes, her heart swelling with emotion. "I love you too, Alexander."

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Say it again."

She laughed, shaking her head. "You're really going to make me say it over and over, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," he said without hesitation. "Because I never want to go another day without hearing it."

She squeezed his hand. "I love you."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "Forever?"

"Forever."

The waiter arrived with their meal, but neither of them paid much attention to the food. They were too lost in each other, in the magic of the moment.

After dinner, Alexander led her down to the beach, their fingers laced together. The night air was cool, but his warmth surrounded her, making her feel safe, cherished.

They walked in comfortable silence until Alexander suddenly stopped, turning to face her. "Dance with me."

Isabella raised an amused brow. "There's no music."

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his playlist until a soft, romantic melody filled the night air. "Now there is."

She laughed as he pulled her into his arms, swaying her gently under the moonlight. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, you love me," he teased.

She rested her head against his chest, sighing contentedly. "I do."

They danced under the stars, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore their only witness. It was perfect—just like them.

Alexander tilted her chin up, his eyes shining with something unreadable. "Marry me."

Her breath caught in her throat. "What?"

"Marry me, Isabella." His voice was steady, sure. "I don't need time. I don't need to wait. I know you're it for me. I knew it the moment I first saw you."

Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Alexander…"

He pulled her even closer. "I want to spend forever with you. No doubts. No fears. Just us."

Her heart pounded, every part of her screaming yes. But still, she hesitated. "Are you sure? This is so fast—"

"I've never been more sure of anything," he cut in. "I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life. I want to grow old with you. Laugh with you. Love you." He cupped her face. "I want you."

Tears streamed down her face as she let out a shaky laugh. "Yes."

His eyes widened. "Yes?"

"Yes, Alexander. I'll marry you."

A joyous grin broke across his face before he lifted her into his arms, spinning her around. "You just made me the happiest man alive."

She laughed through her tears, holding onto him tightly. "And you've always been my happiest place."

Their lips met in a kiss filled with love, passion, and the promise of forever.

As the waves crashed around them and the stars shimmered above, Isabella knew—this was their beginning.

A love story that would never end.

To be continued…