59

ROME

Carly and I arrived at the private beach house owned by her family. As we reached the threshold of the room, a king-size bed draped with fluffy white sheets and thrown red flower petals, candlelit, and flowers scattered around the room.

Carly went silent beside me. She was talkative on our way, teasing me throughout the ride, and she suddenly seemed speechless.

When I turned to her, I cupped her face and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I can’t still believe you are my wife now.”

“Believe it, husband.” She wiggled her fingers and showed me the wedding band and the engagement ring.

“You’re beautiful.” I ran the back of my fingers on her cheek, down her exposed shoulder.

“I’m nervous.” Her eyes fluttered close, and a gasp slipped her lips.

“I love you.” I brought myself close to her and kissed her on the forehead, her nose, and then her parted lips. “So do I.”

I found the zip of her dress, slowly lowered down her back, and let it fall to the floor, and she stoo