Chapter 97
The morning sun glinted off the gentle waves as Marco and Carmen strolled along the shoreline, their hands entwined. The laughter that bubbled between them felt light, unburdened by the shadows of their past. For the first time in years, the weight of duty and danger had lifted, leaving only the joy of each other’s company.
Marco stopped suddenly, scooping a handful of water and flinging it playfully in Carmen’s direction.
“Marco!” Carmen squealed, dodging as the water splashed her arms. “You’re asking for trouble.”
“Trouble?” Marco grinned, wading further into the water, the sunlight catching his broad shoulders. “I think I’m the picture of innocence.”
“Innocent, my foot,” Carmen shot back, lifting her skirt to chase after him. She splashed him in return, her laughter ringing out over the ocean.
Their playful game continued until they were waist-deep in the water, Marco catching her around the waist and pulling her close.
“You’re still as feisty as the day I met you,” he said, his voice low, his breath warm against her ear.
“And you’re still as infuriating,” she teased, but her eyes softened as she looked up at him.
His lips brushed hers in a kiss that started playful but deepened into something more, the world around them fading.
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Later that day, they lounged on the beach, a picnic basket between them. Marco peeled an orange, offering Carmen a slice.
“Do you remember when we used to sneak away from the estate for afternoons like this?” he asked, popping a slice into his mouth.
“How could I forget?” Carmen said with a smile. “You were always so confident no one would catch us. And half the time, you were wrong.”
Marco chuckled, reclining back on his elbows. “It was worth the trouble every single time.”
Carmen leaned closer, her fingers brushing over his hand. “It still is.”
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As the sun began to set, they returned to the villa, where a hammock swayed gently between two tall palm trees. The breeze carried the scent of salt and the faint sweetness of tropical flowers.
“Come here,” Marco said, sitting in the hammock and holding out a hand to Carmen.
She hesitated. “We’re both going to fall out of that thing.”
“Not if you trust me,” he said with a smirk.
With a playful eye roll, Carmen let him pull her into the hammock, her back resting against his chest. To her surprise, it held them both securely, the gentle rocking adding to the serenity of the moment.
They lay in silence for a while, watching the sky shift from pink to deep indigo, stars beginning to dot the heavens.
“I’ve been thinking,” Marco said softly, breaking the silence.
Carmen tilted her head slightly to look at him. “That sounds dangerous.”
He laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’ve been thinking about our son. How much joy he’s brought us.”
“He’s our miracle,” Carmen said, her voice tender.
Marco nodded. “And I want another.”
Her eyes widened slightly as she turned fully to face him. “Another child?”
“I love him so much,” Marco said, his voice thick with emotion. “But I keep thinking about how much better his life would be with a sibling. Someone to grow up with, to share everything with. I don’t want him to be alone.”
Carmen was quiet for a moment, her hand resting lightly on his chest. Then she smiled, her gaze soft. “You know, I’ve thought about that too. And the idea of having a daughter… it makes me happy.”
Marco’s lips curved into a grin. “A daughter. I can see it already. She’d have your eyes and your fire.”
“And your stubbornness,” Carmen teased, her voice warm.
“God help us all,” Marco said, laughing.
Carmen laughed too, her head resting on his shoulder as their hands found each other’s. “But seriously, Marco… I think it’s time. I want to build our family with you. Together.”
Marco turned to her, his expression filled with love and gratitude. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For everything.”
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The stars were bright by the time their conversation faded into comfortable silence. Marco shifted slightly, pulling Carmen closer, his lips brushing against her forehead.
“I promise,” he said quietly, “no matter what happens, I’ll protect our family. I’ll protect you, our son, and the life we’re building together.”
Carmen looked up at him, her heart full. “And I promise to stand by you, Marco. Through everything. We’ll do this together.”
Their kiss was slow and filled with a depth of love that words couldn’t capture. Marco’s hand moved to cradle the back of her neck as Carmen’s fingers traced his jawline. They lingered in each other’s embrace, the gentle sway of the hammock cradling them like the ocean waves.
Eventually, they settled against each other, Carmen’s head resting on Marco’s chest as his fingers traced lazy circles on her back.
“Do you think they’ll take after you or me?” Marco asked, his voice drowsy.
Carmen smiled, her eyes fluttering closed. “Hopefully, the best of both of us.”
“Agreed,” Marco murmured, his voice fading as sleep claimed him.
Carmen closed her eyes, the steady rhythm of Marco’s heartbeat lulling her to sleep. In that moment, under the vast expanse of the night sky, they dreamed of the life they would build together—a life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
