Page 202 of Fly's Path

Rhys said she wouldn’t tell anyone…But Gertie seems to know everything, anyway. I’m going to die of embarrassment. “I had a crown tattooed on my butterfly.”

“We’re making a detour while you decide where you want to live.”

A detour? “What do you mean I decide?”

“Sheri, I’m just not going to say you need to move up north with me. Beach Haven is your home. So if you want to live here, we’ll find you a place to live while we build your dream house on the beach.”

“My dream house?”

“Yes, because all a house needs in it is you for it to be my dream house.”

***

“So you weren’t kidnapped?” Rhys lifts up the tattoo gun and wipes Fly’s skin.

I’ve been studiously trying not to invade his privacy while also completely absorbed in how Rhys brings images to life with the swipe of that machine. “Nope.”

“That’s quite a story…you know the town is going to make up something way juicier.”

“Without a doubt, but I think we’ll let it die down for a while before we come to visit.”

Fly lifts his head up to look at me. “Visit?”

“I thought about it.” Mainly let everything you have said since we met fully sink in during the ride back here. “Your family is back there in Silent Valley and so many of my friends. It onlymakes sense that we live there, but we spend some time down here during the coldest part of the winter.”

Fly brings my hand that he’s holding to his lips. “I love that idea.”

“There, done.” Rhys stands up, rotating her shoulders and stretching. “I kept your original tattoo the same, but I think you’ll like how I integrated the crown.”

Fly’s eyes meet mine. “I love you.”

I’m lost in that man. “I love you.” My Butterfly Prince.

Our lips meet for our first forever kiss…or is it our tenth? I’ve lost count.

Two Final Thoughts

Fly

“So does this mean that you and Sheridan are getting married?” Jett dances around. Standing still seems to be a challenge for her sometimes.

“Eventually. We’re not in any rush.” I just want her to feel settled, secure, and confident in us. It also doesn’t hurt that she lives close by.

“Yeah, but she moved here to be with you.”

Precocious kid. “And?”

“Well, you love her. Why are you waiting?”

“I’m waiting until she’s ready.” I turn to face Jett. “When you start dating, never let a boy pressure you to do anything youdon’t want to do. And if they are, you know they don’t respect or care about you.”

“Ewww…don’t. I’ve already had the birds and the bees talk. I’m good.”

“This isn’t just about that. It applies to any part of your life, from work to school, and especially when it comes to recreation. You need to think for yourself, not be pressured to do things.”

“What if they push too hard and I can’t say no?”

“You come to me, and I’ll say no for you.” In a way they can’t ignore.