The Amalfi Coast, Italy
From an ornate, rounded balcony, Madeline gazed out at the azure
blue sea, framed by lush, verdant mountains and steep, rocky crags.
Behind her, white, gauzy curtains billowed in the breeze through the open
French doors. She closed her eyes for a moment, luxuriating in this
exquisite natural beauty while her mind recalled the miraculous events of
the past year that had culminated in a blissful, eternal union. Lost in a
prayer of thanksgiving to her Creator, she was slightly startled for a
second when she felt Ken's arms wrap around her waist.
Fresh from a revitalizing hot shower, he'd covered himself with a
thick, thirsty towel, his blond waves still slightly damp. And as he walked
back into the expansive bedroom suite, he caught sight of his beloved,
dressed in a flowing, lacy nightgown, accented with pale pink satin
ribbons. He smiled remembering how beautiful ocean vistas had always
captivated her, since their very first date in Atlantic City; no doubt she
was lost in her own world as she contemplated the personal journeys that
had led them to this magnificent point in time.
"Mm, good morning, baby," she cooed, as a flood of sensation
engulfed her. Ken placed one hand on her shoulder, while the other
gathered her hair to one side. Leaning in close, he whispered sexily in her
ear, "Are you happy, sweetheart?"
Maddy turned in his embrace to look up at him, nearly gasping at the
sight of his strong, corded arms and rippled, muscular chest.
"Kenny, I didn't even know it was possible to be this happy," she
affirmed with genuine emotion. Around her neck, the diamond-cut Pisces
pendant shimmered against her skin. "I'm just so grateful to God for this
second chance, for bringing you back to me. It's nothing short of a
miracle. And no matter where we are or what we're doing, as long as I'm
with you, I will always be happy. I love you so much!"
He gently brushed away a lone tear that had trickled down her
sunburned cheek. "I love you, Madeline Lockheart. And it is a miracle; I
am thankful to God, too, first for creating you and then giving you back
to me, in spite of everything."
"Kenny, God's timing is always perfect," she replied softly as she
stroked his face.
"Yes it is," he concurred, before scooping her up in his arms and
carrying her back inside, while the sunlight glistened on the water and the
fish swam joyfully, immersed in the depths below.