1.36 CAROLINE

"I used to hate the beach. It reminded me of our mom. She loved the beach so much. It hurt being here. But when you came into our lives, I began to love it. Because it began to remind me of you, of all of our good times, and of all the good times I've had before our mother died. I kind of like to think of this as our place."

I think about his words thoroughly before responding. "I like that. Us having our own little place. You've certainly made sure it's memorable for me."

He laughs above me, no doubt thinking of all the times we've had sex here on the beach.

"You are probably the best thing that's ever walked into my life."

"Technically, you guys walked into my apartment, so you walked into my life." He laughs above me. I pull away and force him to look down at me, cupping his cheeks and staring into his eyes. "And I'm the luckiest fucking girl that Jacob dragged me into your guys' drama. Otherwise, I would have never met you guys. And the thought of not knowing you guys, it fuck