I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her walking slowly down the aisle on her father’s arm. I watched as they shared a private joke, while he proudly walked her to me. As he placed her hand in mine, I understood the meaning of the gesture and gave him a nod. I was promising to take care of her from here on in. He’d handed her into my care and I wouldn’t let him down. Not in this lifetime, or any of the next ones. I’d willingly give up my own life for this woman.

I repeated the vows, anxious to get to the ‘You may now kiss your bride’ part of the ceremony. Her luscious pink full lips are so close, so tempting. I can barely keep my eyes from them, and it’s taking all my willpower to stop myself from leaning in and capturing them in mine.

When those words finally left his lips, I didn’t hesitate. I pulled her close and held her face gently as I kissed her with every ounce of love I have.

Undressing her at the end of the night was the longest few minutes of my life. I never thought I’d get to the end of those buttons. When I finally did...well...it was definitely worth the wait.

Definitely.

Bali’s humidity hits as soon as we leave the plane. Our villa is surrounded by a tall brick wall giving us privacy. The deep blue pool is almost more inviting than the open walled villa. Every room surrounds the pool and garden and the shower is open air, a great idea in this climate.

As soon as we unpack we head to the pool. After locking the gate, I decide we don’t need bathing suits. The cool water caresses our hot sweaty skin. I don’t think I’m gonna leave this pool till my fingers shrivel and numb.

We spend our time snorkeling at the beach, wandering around the shopping districts, swimming and just lazing around. Our nights are spent enjoying each other, making up for lost time.

Haven’s still very self-conscious about her leg, but the Balinese people are too polite to ask or stare, so she tries to push it to the back of her mind. I can see the furtive glances now and then, but nobody makes a big deal of it, for which I’m glad. Her leg doesn’t define who she is. It’s just a bit of muscle.

Nothing to see here; move along.

As we eat dinner at a nearby restaurant, I broach the subject of kids. I know I want more and I’m pretty sure she wants them too, but we haven’t really discussed it.

“Babe?” I say, pushing a spoonful of rice into my mouth and eating it. “I know we haven’t talked about it, but do you want kids?”

“Where did that come from?” she laughs, nearly choking on her food.

“Well, I’d love to give Milly some brothers and sisters, and I was kinda hoping that you want to as well.” I say with a smile.

Narrowing her eyes, she asks, “Exactly how many are we talking about?”

“Is this a negotiation, because I’m really good at that!” I state with a laugh.

“This isn’t a buy one, get one free kind of deal. I was thinking I’d love to start trying for a baby soon to give Milly a sibling, but this year’s been so hectic, why don’t we wait a little while before we open that can of worms? I think we all need a bit of breathing space after all the drama and just enjoy being together for a while.”

“How long’s a while?” I ask with a smirk.

Putting down her fork, she sits back and crosses her arms over her chest, tilting her head to the side slightly. “How about two years?”

“Not freaken likely!” I sputter. “How about six months?”

“How about twelve months? By that time the house will be rebuilt and we’ll be settled in and can think about it then.”

“Deal” I say, pushing my hand across the table. She reaches over and shakes it decisively.

The smile doesn’t leave my face for the rest of the honeymoon.

Coming back home is a bit of a shock. It’s amazing how restful it can be when the real word doesn’t intrude. We could close the gate and forget the world existed while we were away. There was only the two of us and that’s all we needed. We Skyped Milly every evening before she went to bed and I’m sure she barely missed us at all. I think she’s been spoilt rotten while we’ve been away. She’ll probably be a brat for a few days, till she gets back into her routine again.

We had checked out house designs before we went away. I left the final decision to Haven. As long as I have a bed and a lounge chair, I’m all good. We both love a big kitchen so that was a must. The builders have started clearing the old house to make way for the new one, so I check in every day when I’m at the farm. Harvesting is almost complete which means that there will be a bit more time to concentrate on the house. Haven has also been overseeing the build. I actually think she’s much better at this than I am. She has a vision in her head and isn’t going to change her plans for anyone...let alone the builder. He knows that he has a formidable boss in her. He tells me often and I laugh to myself every time. He doesn’t have to tell me about her stubbornness and determination. She wouldn’t be my Haven without those traits. He sees it as a fault. I see it as normal behaviour for her. She wouldn’t have achieved what she has without those qualities. He quickly learns not to argue with her. It’s easier that way.