Epilogue

Joi walked along the strip of sand at Puerto Limón, holding hands with Marco. Returning to this beach, where they’d shared their innermost secrets with each other, felt wonderful. Now that she and Marco were about to make a lifetime commitment, it seemed appropriate to return to the place where she’d first been certain of his place in her life.

Despite it being the first week of December, the weather in Limón was gorgeous. The blue sky above held the bright yellow orb of the sun, unencumbered by clouds as it cast rays of warmth over the sand and water. The temperature was a balmy seventy-eight degrees, a good twenty-five degrees warmer than the day’s high back home in Charlotte. She could easily imagine coming here every winter for a vacation, to escape both the city lifestyle and the cool temperatures in the Queen City.

Walking a few steps behind them were Marco’s parents, Cruze and Iveliss. Joi and Marco had returned to Limón so that she could meet them, and after having spent the past day and a half in their company, she had to admit she found them delightful. Glancing over her shoulder at them, she smiled when she saw that they were holding hands, as well. Anyone within a one-mile radius of the Alvarezes could see their love for each other, and it was a love Joi aspired to replicate with their son. As in-laws went, she knew she could do a lot worse, and she looked forward to getting to know them even better as time went on.

Marco leaned down, his voice breaking through her thoughts as he spoke into her ear. “You know, I must really love you, to agree to this winter wedding you seem to want so badly. You do know I hate the cold, right?”

She chuckled at his mention of their planned Christmas Eve ceremony, to be held at a large cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. “We’ll be inside, so stop whining. Besides, after the ceremony, I’ll need you to keep me warm.” She leveled him with a sultry gaze, letting her eyes remind him of just how much body heat they were capable of generating.

A low growling sound rumbled up from his throat. “I promise to keep you very warm, Dulce.”

He placed a series of soft kisses along her jawline, and her body temperature began to rise. She was so caught up in his kisses that she didn’t realize they’d stopped walking until Cruze loudly cleared his throat.

An embarrassed Joi stepped out of the circle of Marco’s arms. “Forgive me, Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez.”

“Nonsense.” Cruze waved off her apology. “You’re in love, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

A smiling Iveliss added, “Oh yes, dear. We approve, and I’ll expect to see some grandchildren very soon.”

That only made her blush more.

A grinning Marco pulled her close again. “You heard my parents. We need to get to work right away.”

She laughed aloud, until his kiss covered her mouth and stole her breath.

And with the warm breeze flowing around them, she melted into his strong arms and let his kiss whisk her away to paradise.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from WAITING FOR SUMMER by Sherelle Green.

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