Distorted (Laura Dunaway)


One Year Later

Ethan and I sat on the beach in Maui, on our honeymoon. I couldn’t stop looking at the gorgeous diamonds on my left hand, then staring at the simple silver band on Ethan’s. After gathering my wits about me, I’d immediately said yes to his proposal and launched myself into his arms, as everyone around us applauded and congratulated us.

I threw myself into planning our wedding. Everything came off without a hitch and I admit I was one of those silly girls who couldn’t stop writing her name, my name, down every chance I got. It looked beautiful and made me smile every time.

Aly Chase Baker

Looking at it as I wrote it in the sand, thoughts of the past year overcame me. It had been so difficult for me to leave Pierce Homes and our unfinished projects. I had stayed in touch with Norman and was pleased he’d kept me up to date. The Hidden Creek project was just nearing completion, which made me happy as it was right on schedule. When I read the email where Norman told me all about Mr. Halliday and how excited he ended up being with his house, I started to cry. He told me all about Heather’s princess room and how overjoyed she was when she saw it for the first time. I wish I could have been there to see it, but I’d just have to settle for reading about it. When Norman invited me out to tour the neighborhood sometime after we got back from our honeymoon, I eagerly accepted. I couldn’t wait to see how it looked.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present, I looked at Ethan who was now lying down in the sun. I bent over and started kissing his chest. “What are you doing, Mrs. Baker?” he asked, a chuckle in his voice.

“Just kissing my husband,” I replied.

“You realize we’re in public, right?” he teased.

I looked up and around, “Yes, I realize this,” and continued what I was doing.

He placed his hands under my arms and lifted me to his face. “Would you like to continue this up in our room?” he asked, his eyes hooded and filled with desire.

I rushed to stand up and gather my things. “Yes, yes I would.”

He threw his head back and laughed, standing as well. He picked up his stuff and took my hand. As we walked up the beach to go back to our hotel, I marveled at how my life turned out, at the man who was now my husband. I knew with every fiber of my being I was where I was supposed to be, and it felt amazing.

As we reached the honeymoon suite, he pulled me inside and lifted me over his shoulder, tossing me on the bed. I laughed and scooted over a little, giving him room. He crawled toward me and took my face in his hands. Leaning down, he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “I love you, Mrs. Baker,” he whispered.

I looked in his beautiful blue eyes and said, “I love you more, Mr. Baker.”

What started out as something completely distorted ended up being something completely perfect. Ethan slanted his mouth over mine making all of my thoughts disappear. The only thing that mattered, that would ever matter, was him. I had finally found my happily ever after.

The End

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