Epilogue: The Beginning of the Rest of Our Lives

KATE 

 Nathan parked the car in front of the gigantic house, which stood majestically in the middle of the dense forest on the banks of the Hudson River. 

 Stepping out of the car, I stared at the brownstone mansion, adorned with large, white French windows that must have afforded a breathtaking view of the river. 

There was a magical and cozy air about the place, and the building seemed to breathe in harmony with the surrounding nature. Green was predominant, spreading all around, in the grass under our feet, the surrounding bushes, huge trees, and the vegetation on the walls of the building. 

 "So, are you finally going to tell me what we're doing here?" I asked as he stopped beside me. "I should warn you that it doesn't seem like anyone's home." 

 I didn't know or hear of any of his friends who lived in Palisades 

"First, tell me what you think of the place." 

 I stared at him, narrowing my eyes, still not understanding. Then I shrugged and looked around again. 

 "It's wonderful, like a paradise by the Hudson, but why are you..." My heart raced at the possibility that occurred to me. "Nathan..." I looked at him, seeking answers in his eyes. 

 Just then, a black car began approaching the property's entrance and then parked right behind ours. I had no idea who we were waiting for. 

"Wait a second," Nathan said as the stranger got out of the car. 

 I watched as he approached the tall man with the dark hair and beard. Who was this man? And what was Nathan planning? It had only been a week since we had returned from France, but it seemed that he was already up to something crazy. 

My lips curled into a smile at the memory of the last one, of what we did in the starlight by the lake. 

* ... *

 *"Do you remember what I said when we arrived in Paris? Well, I want to make love to you now, Mrs. Ryan," he said. *

*My heart was pounding as I remembered his words. I could never forget them. He had said that when he made love to me, he wouldn't just love me with his body but with his heart and soul, and he had promised that he would dedicate every day of his life to making me happy. *

 *Well, he was keeping his promise. So how could I say no to him? I couldn't, but at the same time, someone could see us. *

 *"I really want to say yes, but someone might see us." *

 *"Everyone must be asleep by now," he whispered as one of his hands moved possessively up my thigh, slipping under my dress. *

 *"Nathan..." I stopped his hand when it reached the side of my hip. *

 *"Relax. They know it's our honeymoon. It's expected that we should do this, don't you think?" he asked before burying his face between my breasts.* 

*Pulling down the fabric of my dress, he undid one of them, taking it into his mouth. I let out a moan, feeling him suck on my nipple. "We wouldn't want to disappoint them," he whispered, looking into my eyes before taking my other nipple into his mouth. My reason was unraveling, giving way to lust.* 

*My body began to tingle with pleasure at the touch of his lips. Surrendering to desire, I reached for his hair with my hands, pulling his face towards my mouth. I kissed him hungrily, savoring the taste of his lips and tongue as I tried to rub myself against his erection. The mere brushing of my clitoris drove me crazy. I moaned against his lips. *

*"Do it," I whispered when he pulled his lips away. *

 *He nodded. *

 *"But first, we'll see if you're ready for me," he said, before moving, crawling over me until his face was above my sex. *

*Putting my legs over his shoulders, he lifted my dress to my waist without taking his eyes off mine. Breathing hard, I watched him, longing to feel his touch. Slowly, he used a finger to massage my clitoris, circling it tortuously. I moaned, squirming a little.* 

*Then he moved down, sliding between my folds, until he stopped at my entrance. Still, without taking his eyes off mine, he slid his finger along the edge, teasing me.*

*"Hmm... wet, but it can get even better," he whispered and then lowered his face.*

*His tongue slid slowly from my entrance to my clitoris, sending pleasure through my body. I moaned, curling my toes and moving my hips toward his mouth, unable to contain myself*.

*"Please..." I begged, feeling my body tingle with pleasure.*

*But he continued to tease and torture me with his tongue, alternating between licking and sucking my clit, making my mind spin and my insides contract as a wave of heat spread through my body from head to toe.*

*The growing and delightful sensation was driving me crazy, and desperate to feel him inside me.*

*"Please, love, please..." I pleaded, unable to bear the assault of his tongue any longer. "I need you..."*

*Suddenly, he stopped tormenting my clit, and his tongue went down to my entrance, where it sank into me. The sensation of it moving inside me made me roll my eyes.*

*With a groan of satisfaction, he withdrew his tongue from me.*

*"Now, you're ready," he whispered, moving over me until his face was above mine.*

*Panting, I tried to use what lucidity I had left to stretch out my arms and undo his pants, sliding them down his muscular thighs and freeing his cock.*

*"Beautiful," he whispered, caressing my face. "I love you."*

*I smiled, completely fascinated by the sight of her perfect face combined with the night sky covered in stars in the background.*

*"Then love me now," I whispered breathlessly.*

*Leaning in to kiss me deeply and passionately, he grabbed my thigh and adjusted his hips between my legs. With a slow, sensual movement, he sank into me, at the same time pulling his face away to look into my eyes.*

*With my lips parted, I felt him slide deep inside me, driving me crazy with slow, sensual movements while I lost myself in his beautiful blue eyes.*

*

Suddenly, Nathan approached me again, pulling me out of my memory, which was enough to make my heart race and leave me breathless.

I took a deep breath. I would never forget that night, and how he made love to me under the starlight with his body and soul, devoting himself completely to me.

I would never forget the way his hands explored my body, making me feel like the most desired woman in the world. And I would never, ever forget how madly we made love, rolling around on that sheet on the grass, completely naked. And I could never forget the sight of the sky as I rode on top of him.

"Kate?" he said, pulling me out of my daydream again.

"Yes?" I replied, letting out a sigh.

Taking my hands, he placed my palm up and put a key in it as the black car was already moving away, heading back the way it came.

"Are you ready, Mrs. Ryan?" he asked.

My heart raced in my chest as I furrowed my brows in confusion.

"Nathan..."

" The house has over four thousand square feet, and you can renovate and redecorate as you wish. It's the closest to Manhattan I could find, but if you don't like it, we can find another one."

"You can't be serious," I said, my hands trembling, feeling a shiver run down my spine, and tears welling up in my eyes.

"You said you'd be happier, and I said I'd do anything to make you happy."

"How?" I shook my head, unable to believe it.

"I've already taken care of everything. All you need to do is say yes, and this will be our new home, Mrs. Ryan."

"Oh, my God... Of course, yes!" I said, throwing myself at him.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I hugged him tightly and kissed him while he smiled and cried with happiness.

"But you haven't seen the house yet," he said, smiling, his arms around my waist.

"I don't need to; I love the place; it's so much more than I could have imagined. All of this... You're so much more than I ever dreamed of. That's probably why I've been wondering lately if it's all just a dream. So tell me, are you real?" I asked, looking into his eyes.

"Yes, we're real," he said, wiping a tear from my cheek with his fingers. "Everything we've experienced so far, the good and the bad moments, it's all real, and you know what? I wouldn't change a thing." He kissed me softly. "But if you want proof that it's real, I can give you one right now." He whispered, biting his lip and pressing me tightly against his body.

"Hmm, I think I really need one, Mr. Ryan," I whispered back, feeling my desire grow.

"Then come on," he said, taking my hand and starting to walk towards the entrance to the house. "Let's christen our new home, Mrs. Ryan."

With a smile, I followed him, feeling utterly happy, and I would follow him forever. I was eager to spend every day of the rest of our lives exploring every corner of our new home.



*The end.*





**Acknowledgments:**

Firstly, to a teenage dreamer who, about six years ago, started this madness of putting stories that come to mind down on paper. Secondly, to my readers who liked my work enough to be here, thank you for every word of encouragement. Thirdly, to my favorite authors who influence me and inspire me to keep writing. 

And finally, to Kate and Ryan for accompanying me on this journey with many fights, laughs, tears, and, of course, very hot scenes, thank you for allowing me to tell your story and for every emotion I felt watching your evolution. 

Thank you all. Never give up on the little things that make you feel alive.

If you want to know more about my work or get in touch with me, you can find me on Instagram: @maryd.sant

Thank you for reading all the way here! Don't forget to leave your review after finishing the book; I'd love to know what you think. Until next time!

Mary D. Sant