My Forbidden Valentine – Bonus

“I’m too old for this,” August comments, though he doesn’t seem out of breath at all—unlike me, who’s gasping for air. I let out a laugh, one that forces me to stop because when you’re this exhausted, laughing and moving at the same time is simply impossible. It’s funny because, despite our age difference, August is still ridiculously well-toned for his age. I have no idea how he has the motivation to hit the gym every day. Not that I’m complaining! In fact, I love running my hands over his muscles, tracing the prominent veins, feeling the solid strength of his body. But it’s ironic that he claims he’s “too old for this” when the only sign of effort on him is his sweaty t-shirt. I’m the one who is too old for this.

We’re hiking one of the toughest trails in the Hope Peaks mountains to prepare for our honeymoon on Pepys Island. Visiting the Aurora Archipelago wasn’t in our plans, but it had to be once my best friend fell in love in Pepys Island and decided to move there after such a short time. If falling in love this quickly hadn’t happened with me and August, I’d probably think she was crazy. But she’s happy, and that’s what matters.  

I’ve always wanted to visit Pepys Island, and after her constant urging, we decided it would be the perfect honeymoon destination—a way to mix pleasure with something meaningful.  

And that brings us here today. Hiking is something we often do together. I’ve always enjoyed it, and after leading August on a trail for what turned out to be our first real date, I realized he loved it too. Being out here, surrounded by nothing but nature, is incredible. A refreshing change of pace we both need. We’ve both been working hard, and with all the wedding preparations, it’s only natural that we’d want to do something to break the routine.

“Look at that stump, Emma. It’s the perfect stool. I need to sit down.”

I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue if I stop. I will just have to do some pacing while he’s resting.

August crouches down on the stump while I swing my hips from left to right so I don’t stop moving, even though I’m standing in the same place.

I turn back to take in the breathtaking view from this high up in the mountains. The way the trees sway with the breeze, everything a beautiful lushy green, the quiet sound of nature occasionally broken by the chirping of birds. It feels immense. I’m incredibly grateful to live here. And even more grateful to share my life with August.

I can’t believe that in just two weeks, we’ll be getting married. After the proposal, we decided we didn’t want to wait long for the wedding. May felt like the perfect choice—warm, bright, and with a much lower chance of rain in Hope Peak.

I shriek when I feel August’s strong arms suddenly envelop me, lifting me effortlessly and settling me onto his lap.

“I didn’t want to sit down!”

“I know.”

“I’m tired, August!” I huff, trying to squirm away, but he doesn’t let me go. His hold is firm, steady, and after a moment, I finally let myself relax against him, the smell of him anchoring me. It feels so good to take the weight off my legs.

“I know. Why do you think I wanted to sit down?”

“Because of me?”

“Of course. We need to head back. You’re too tired.”

“But we still have a few miles left until the end of the trail!” I pout, even though part of me is relieved by his suggestion.

“I don’t want you pushing yourself too hard. We don’t need more preparation.”

“But Pepys Island’s trails are supposed to be even harder.”

“You’re not exhausting yourself on our honeymoon.” His lips curl into a wolfish grin, the kind that still makes my heart stutter, no matter how many times I see it. It always feels like a privilege to see a smile out of this grumpy man. “I’m the one making you this tired on our honeymoon.”

A shiver runs through me as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Yeah?”

He nods.

“I’d like that.”

I nuzzle my head against his shoulder, loving to hear his heartbeat while resting in his lap.

“I’m sorry we didn’t make it.”

“I don’t care. I care about you wanting to make it till the end. But not like this, Emma.”

“Okay,” it comes out like a whisper, but I get what he means. August has been the one to tell me to turn down appointments and clients if I ever felt tired. To make me dinner when I arrive too late from work. There’s a lot of flexibility in my business and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I tend to put too much on my plate. Afraid of what will happen if I miss a single opportunity, but August has been my rock, monitoring me in a kinder light than I monitor myself, letting me know it’s okay to rest. He has been teaching me the importance of all of that and I’m sure I’ll get there on my own some day. But it’s nice to have this person who supports me, cheering me on my lofty goals but also keeping an eye on my health being.

“You’re amazing, Baby. I can’t wait for us to get married.”

I hug him tighter.

“Me too.”

“Whenever we are out doing these trails, the certainty of our love hits me even harder. I don’t know if it’s the silence or being out here, just the two of us. I just know, every single time we come to the Mountains, I realize how much more I love you, Emma. And I swear I’ll keep loving you more and more.”

I frame his face, feeling the touch of his rough beard with my hands. “I love you too.”

Our kiss is gentle and loving. It never feels like a kiss can convey how we feel for each other, but we never stop trying because every kiss it’s wonderful and one of a kind. Maybe, some day, a single kiss can translate the amount of love we feel for each other.