The Best of Us (Love in Isolation 2)

“I’m so comfortable.” She sighs and I laugh, already feeling hungover from the amazing sex.

“This weekend, we’re christening every fucking room in this cabin,” I say, holding her in my arms as my eyes grow heavy.

“Cami already has.” She snickers, then smiles. “Love you,” she says as I run my fingers through her hair.

“Love you.” I return the sentiment, my heart swelling at the words. Staring up at the ceiling while holding the woman of my dreams, I feel so damn lucky to be alive. Too many people weren’t allowed this opportunity, so I promised myself after living through the pandemic that I wouldn’t take things like this for granted.

I had to force myself not to pass up life-changing opportunities because I was too busy dealing with my personal demons. That time we spent together at the cabin changed my life. Kendall showed me I was worthy of being loved and worthy enough to love. She has my whole heart and means so damn much to me.

Eventually, I fall into a deep sleep, and the only thing that wakes me is the sunshine leaking through the window. Last night, we were so enamored with one another that I forgot to close the curtain.

I hold Kendall, and her ass presses against my morning wood. She rustles and lets out a hum, and I can’t stop smiling. Her eyes flutter open, and she looks at me over her shoulder. I press my lips to her cheek.

“It wasn’t a dream, was it?” she whispers, then lifts her hand and looks at the diamond on her finger.

“No, Angel. It wasn’t.”

“Good,” she says. Laying her head back down, she immediately drifts back to sleep.

It’s incredible how much life can change in just one year.Chapter Twenty-NineKendallFOUR MONTHS LATERWaking up next to Ryan each morning is a dream come true. While we've been living together for a while, I now get to call him fiancé. Our parents are thrilled we're getting married and so are Cami and Eli. Piper's really excited about it too.

"Almost ready?" Ryan asks as I slip a scarf around my neck. It’s the middle of March, and it’s still a little chilly outside. I’m excited for summer, mainly because we’re getting married in June.

"Yep," I tell him, grabbing my phone. Today, we have a cake tasting appointment. I’ve been so busy building my business that I kept putting it off. Since I hired Stephanie, Cami’s planner, to help me, she’s been on my ass about choosing my cake. It’s the last thing on my wedding to-do list, then everything’s complete.

We've already secured a private venue in Manhattan, and I've been fitted for my custom designer wedding dress. Even though Cami’s ready to burst, she's been a tremendous help and has insisted on being a part of everything. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

After I grab my purse, Ryan and I hop in the Range Rover and drive out of the city. There's a small bakery located on the outskirts that's been around for nearly one hundred years. They’re known for making expensive luxury cakes, but I don't care. I plan to only get married once.

Ryan interlocks his fingers with mine. "So not to give you a scare, but Cami's water could break at any moment."

I let out a laugh. "I know. I already texted her this morning and told her she's not allowed to go into labor until after I've left the cake shop."

Ryan snorts. "Okay, I'm sure she can help that."

"My niece and I have made a very special deal. If she waits until I've chosen my favorite flavors, I'll buy her a Lamborghini on her eighteenth birthday."

His eyes go wide. "You're kidding."

"Maybe." I shrug. "Maybe not."

"Do you want to get a coffee?" he asks, changing the subject. I love teasing him about things like that.

I give him a grin. "The answer to that question is always yes."

When he pulls off the highway and turns, I know exactly where we're going. When he parks, he turns to me. "Remember this place?"

"How could I forget it? They had the best gingerbread coffee ever," I say, and we step out of the SUV and walk inside.

It looks different without all the Christmas decorations, but it still brings me back to the day we left the cabin. Neither of us knew where this would lead, but here we are. I feel as if life has gone full circle as I order my white mocha with sugar cookie crumble whip cream. Ryan gets his black.

We thank the woman, then leave. By the time we arrive at the bakery, I've already finished my drink, and I’m more than ready for dessert.

He parks and looks at the giant building. "So this is the place?"

"Oh yeah. This is it," I say. "They're known for extravagant cakes. Even made a few for the Royal family when they came to New York for holiday."