Oceans of Us: An Age Gap Forbidden Romance
Oceans of Us: Chapter 31

After today, I’m pretty sure beaches will always be Saint’s and my thing. Just feeling those ocean waves wrapped around our bodies as we swim out to sea, laughing so hard and kissing in slow motion underwater, is enough to make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Saint and I spent the entire day exploring a couple of the stunning coastlines Santa Rosa has to offer, and now we’re back at Saint’s nonna’s house and I’m getting dressed for the apparent date night Saint wants to have with me. It’s a little odd considering we came all the way to Santa Rosa to spend time with his family, and not to whisk us away somewhere, but I’m not complaining because I want to spend every second of my life with this man.

After slipping on my panties and hooking up my bra, I sort through the clothes I brought with me to Santa Rosa and lay them all out flat on the guest bed. Since we’re only staying for a few days, we didn’t bring much, and even less considering we came here by motorcycle and only had space for a few items to put in Saint’s Harley saddlebag, but I’ll whip something up. Saint’s getting dressed in another bedroom, so I can take my time.

Towel drying my hair, I pull it up into a sleek updo and just as I’m about to decide on which dress, my phone buzzes on the bed. The second I start reading the text a smile rises on my lips because it’s so unexpected. Yet so sweet.

ALEXIS: Hey, girl! This is Alexis. Alexis Goldberg. How are you? I know it’s been a little while since we ran into each other at the hospital… To be honest, it’s been extremely hard to comprehend it all, but I feel like I’m ready to reach out now and admit that even though my world is spiraling, it’s slowly starting to steady. I’m glad that out of all the hell that happened, this newfound sisterhood really has me hopeful… Hopeful of something new. I hope you have been well and your fracture has healed up all nice!

Aww. She’s so sweet.

We exchanged numbers at the hospital but haven’t contacted each other yet… not until now. Alexis—my half-sister—lost everything in that crash… her father and stepmom. I can’t even begin to comprehend the impact of losing such important people at the exact same time. It has me thinking of my father and all the bad blood there.

I feel terrible for Alexis, so saddened by all the news, but I’m always going to be here for support. I want her to know that. And hopefully day by day this could bloom into an actual relationship because I would love that. It’s even better that she’s sixteen and only two years younger. It means we can relate better.

PAISLEY: Alexis, it’s so nice to hear from you! I’ve been pretty well, all healed up from that fracture gratefully. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, but didn’t want to overstep by texting when grief is very much still fresh, so I’m glad you reached out and messaged. It means a lot to me. You’re so strong and optimistic… It’s honestly so inspiring. Know I’m always here whenever you need. I just pray that you get through this and am sending all my thoughts and love to you and your step-uncle, Alejandro.

ALEXIS: Thank you, babe. That means a lot to me too. When you’re ready and if you like, we should meet up! We don’t need to force anything, but I think testing the waters of where this can go is exciting. Is that something you’re open to? Please be honest and trust me, you won’t hurt my feelings either way, I promise. Whatever you feel most comfortable with, we’ll do! 🙂

I bite my lip and grin.

PAISLEY: Oh my God, how are you so sweet?!

ALEXIS: Oh, girl, you haven’t seen me at my worst… 😉

PAISLEY: HAHA! Same, same. I would really love to meet up and see where this goes too! I’m currently in Santa Rosa with my boyfriend’s family, but would love to organize something when I get back before I move to Seattle for college at the end of the month! I’ll be in Seattle from the first weekend of August as I’m going to be spending some time there with Saint before college begins. Does that work for you?

ALEXIS: That works perfect! I look forward to it too. Text me when you’re back in Sacramento then and we’ll take it from there! Aww, that’s so nice that you’re spending time with Saint’s family! I’m sure you’re both enjoying that! 😉 What are your plans tonight?

PAISLEY: Can’t wait! Tonight is date night, so I’m getting ready for that… and by getting ready I mean staring at all of my options laid out on the bed. So indecisive.

ALEXIS: Oooo, date night!! Send me a few options of the dresses. More than happy to help!

Then another message comes in from her.

ALEXIS: Promise I won’t add those pictures to my dating profile… not that I have one. Alejandro would kill me if I did… not that I wouldn’t go behind his back… 😉

I burst out in laughter and type back.

PAISLEY: LOL. I love it. Here are the options.

I stand back and take a photo of the four dresses on the bed and send them through. She replies almost instantly. As new as this friendship is with Alexis… it feels so natural.

ALEXIS: The sexy red one! Go with that!

PAISLEY: You’re amazing, thank you, lovely!

ALEXIS: Anytime, okay, now I’m going to let you go so you can get ready, but I can’t wait to talk once you’re back in Sacramento. Have a beautiful night and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do… Not that you’d know that, but you’ll uncover that soon enough 😉

PAISLEY: Haha! I honestly am looking forward to uncovering it all. Talk soon and have a nice night, Alexis!

ALEXIS: Will do, and, Paisley?

PAISLEY: Mhmmm?

ALEXIS: I really feel like this could be the start of something beautiful! Xx

I smile with glassy eyes.

PAISLEY: You and me both! x

I’m quick to slip on the skintight red midi dress, feeling so complete inside that I texted with her. It’s a satin delight with a daring thigh-high slit on both sides of my hips. Considering I didn’t bring any heels, Saint’s mom lent me a pair of classy nude heels earlier today and they’re stunning!

For the first time in forever, I dive into my makeup bag and go for a striking look. Smokey eyes. A little blush and bronzer. Bold red lips. Perfect. Stepping back from the wall mirror to take a good look at myself, I rub my lips and grin at the woman in the mirror. There she is, girl!

Repacking all my other clothes, I sling my cream purse over my shoulder and it’s just after 6:00 p.m. when I step out of the guest bedroom.

Saint’s jaw drops the second I step into the mid-century living room and those ocean eyes meet mine and warm to so much passion. He looks so beautiful… so dreamy and Italian. Sexy slicked-back hair. Crisp white dress shirt with a few buttons undone and sleeves rolled up, exposing his gorgeous tattoos and lightly tanned skin. Sleek black slacks. Black paisley leather belt. Leather derby shoes. I didn’t even know he packed all of these!

“Paisley… Fuck,” Saint murmurs, striding up to me with the most beautiful dimpled smile. “You look so beautiful! Dio, I can’t take my eyes off you…”

“So don’t.”

His eyes darken in desire. “You know I won’t, wildflower.”

Saint threads his fingers through mine and pulls me close. A satisfied moan escapes him as his hands roam down my hips and rush underneath the slits of my dress. I giggle as he squeezes my bare ass exposed by my lacy G-string.

“Dear God, Paisley, you’re going to kill me.” Smirking, his luxurious cologne consumes me whole as he brushes his lips against my ear and he sexily growls, “It’s a good thing I booked a hotel for us later tonight, because I plan to fuck you so hard with this hot dress still on and panties to the side. Want to fuck you in this dress all night long, babydoll.”

Ohmygod. Yes, please!

I want nothing more than to have him all to myself.

Grinning, I lock my ankles together and feel my sex throb in anticipation. “Mmhmmm.”

“You want that, wildflower?” Saint whispers. “Want me to fuck you like a goddamn queen?”

“God, yes.”

“Guarda quanto sei bella.” Saint lowers his lips down to my neck and tingles rush to where I need him the most with erotic kisses. I lose it when his hot tongue swirls over my sweet spot with every nibble, and I softly moan out his name, complete pleasure consuming every inch of me. His hands don’t stop molding my peachy ass, and it turns me on so much.

Grinning, I can’t help but shut my eyes in bliss and giggle as he has me completely losing my mind. My hands circle his shoulders, caressing his hair and tugging onto the ends as he devours my neck with so much need it’s almost overpowering.

He’s everything I need…

“Holy snakes!”

My eyes snap open and I gasp loudly at what I see in front of me, instantly pushing Saint away. His nonna has her eyes covered in the hallway of the living room, while his mother smirks at us as if she knows something I don’t.

Tugging me to his side, Saint awkwardly chuckles and gestures toward the front door. “We’re, uh… We’re going to head out. See you both tomorrow. Love you, Ma and Nonna.”

“Bye Cecilia and Nonna.” I grin, feeling my cheeks so flustered and hot.

“Ciaooo!” his nonna says, running out of the living room while his mother, Cecilia, starts laughing.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pretend I didn’t just see any of that.” Her eyes flicker to her son and happiness floods them. “Take care of her, my boy.”

Saint gets his stunning black blazer from over the couch and once he slides it on, slips his hand in mine. “Always will.”

Saint and I are out of the house in seconds and we burst out laughing as we walk toward his Harley in the driveway. “I swear to God you’re such trouble, Mr. Lisconti. Such trouble!”

Smoldering, he shoots me a wink. “But your kind of trouble, babydoll.”

On the Harley trip to the secret location, Saint’s hand occasionally returns to my thigh as we ride off into the pink and orange sunset. During the ride, I tell Saint of my texts with Alexis and it’s just so comforting how happy he is for me. For us.

I’m thrilled about everything that tonight brings. We’ve had heaps of date nights during these six weeks and quite honestly, it’s as if we’re skipping all the steps considering we already live together and are about to move to Seattle, but I love it this way…

Love what it means.

Love that we’re rewriting our own rules.

My jaw drops when after what feels like ten minutes Saint slows in front of a field of endless amounts of sunflowers. Wow. The sight of the field of bright yellow flowers is beyond breathtaking and I feel my heart beat out of my chest at all the beauty. The way the sun is glowing and stunning pinkish-orange skies paint the skies, the sunflowers are so vivid in their pigmentation, their holistic smell sending me to heaven.

“Wow.” I gasp as Saint helps me dismount the Harley and we take off our helmets and he fixes them on his motorbike. “This is so beautiful, Santo! I can’t believe we’re freaking here!”

“You like it, wildflower?”

I grin and jump into his arms. “I love it! Thank you so much for remembering how much I love sunflower fields. I love you!”

Saint pecks my lips and grins back. “Love you more. Anything for you. Come on, let’s go!”

The grins don’t wipe off our faces as he leads me through the white fence and into the field. I literally lose my breath as we finally get to the middle of the tall sunflower field where there is a big, spacious oval-shaped section with no sunflowers. Instead, blue lily petals are scattered and lead to a romantic transparent canopy with bright fairy lights wrapped around the ceiling. A sleek table and two chairs are set up underneath it with romantic candles and two stainless steel cloche food covers.

This is so incredible!

But it doesn’t stop there. Two cellists sit beside the canopy and begin playing to such an incredible instrumental tune that I quickly recognize as “With Or Without You” by U2. It’s so meaningful and romantic that my eyes tear up… I can’t believe Santo organized all of this. It’s beyond my wildest dreams and my heart clenches in complete awe of everything in front of me.

This means everything to me.

Everything.

“Santo! This is so stunni—” The words slip from my mouth when I turn around and replace Saint kneeling down on one knee in front of me. He’s grinning so warmly, dimples so deep and in full sight as he holds a black velvet ring box in his hand and glances up at me with such desire sparkling in his gaze, the same desire I feel too.

It brings even more tears to my eyes.

Oh my gosh!

My heart is beating so wildly, I can hear it everywhere.

“Santo!” I gasp, placing a hand over my mouth in complete shock. “Oh my God!”

“Wildflower…” Saint chuckles, and I can hear he’s just as nervously excited as I am in this moment. “I wrote a little something for you, a little piece of poetry you inspired. Of course it’s not as good as yours, but it’s everything I’m feeling right now. Everything I’ve been feeling for a long while, so…” Taking my right hand in his, Saint softly kisses my skin and sparks grow at his touch. “Can I read it to you, babydoll?”

“Of course.” I grin, laughing to ease the bundle of nerves and set free the butterflies in my stomach all across my body, the same butterflies that are always there whenever I’m with my blue-eyed boy. Especially now surrounded in a field of sunflowers with his touch and the two cello players continuing to make this moment even more special. “I can’t believe this.”

Swallowing thickly, I can’t get over the way Saint is looking at me with so much sincerity… like I’m his entire world. Ironic, because that’s exactly how I feel. He’s my everything. He’s my everything and more.

“There were pieces of me I held onto. Hoping. Praying. Pleading, they would never come undone and ache. But they did. For you they bloomed. I replace you in places only we know, because you once told me it’s all it takes. In flowers. In poetry. In the ocean waves. In anything and everything that screams your name. When the water surrounds our bodies… when the sunset kisses our skin, all I want to do is thank you for loving me for all that I am, all that I’ll be, and all that I have been.” Saint sharply inhales and opens the ring box. “Baby, I’m so in love with us, so in love with all that we are. Some say it’s wrong, but now I know, two hearts can merge into one.”

My eyes flicker down at the gorgeous flower-inspired marquise cut diamond ring that glimmers brighter against the glowing sunset. It’s so beautiful… so me. I’ve never seen anything like it!

The romantic tune of the cellos in the background… the poetry Saint speaks… him… it’s all so perfect.

Oh my gosh. Wow!

“Spending the rest of my life with you is all I want to do,” Saint murmurs, emotion heavy in his voice. “And I’ll never stop loving you. Loving this new life you gave me. Loving all the different oceans of us…” My vision blurs as those beautiful ocean-blues meet mine and my heart skips a beat at his next words, “So, my wildflower… Will you dive into forever with me and marry me?”

I grin, nodding through happy tears. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you, Santo!”

Grinning too, Saint frantically slips the stunning diamond ring on my left finger, and it fits me so perfectly. “I feel like the luckiest man in the world!”

The second Saint stands up, I practically jump into his arms and we’re laughing in the middle of tears as I wrap my legs around his waist, and he spins us around in endless circles. When I lace my arms around his neck, nothing feels better than feeling Saint’s warm lips on mine. We kiss so passionate, so wild, so breathless and it’s such a beautiful sensation knowing he’ll be mine forever.

There’s no doubt Saint’s changed me for the better in so many ways, but right now as we pull away from the kiss… Tonight… He’s changed me in the best kind of way.

I’m his.

Unconditionally his.

I love how he wraps his arms around me from behind and lowers his chin to rest on my shoulder as we watch the cellists continue to play the heart of the beautiful instrumental U2 tune. It’s beyond touching because each string is so passionately tender, and my tears continue to fall as Saint and I begin swaying from side to side and he softly begins singing the song to me. The lyrics are everything we are. It’s such a beautiful rendition, so sensually slow and with his voice alongside the cellos… Purely magical.

“My fiancée…” Saint grins beautifully as he spins me around and his mesmerizing ocean blues meet mine again, filled with nothing but true love. “Ti amo,” he breathes. “Ti amerò per sempre, tesoro mio. I love you. I’ll love you forever, tesoro mio.”

“Ti amo,” I whisper back, meaning every single word. “Thank you for showing me life, Santo.”

“Thank you for being in it, wildflower.”

And just like that, I realize that sometimes it isn’t about needing to be the boldest flower, sometimes it’s just about replaceing the right person who sees you as their wildflower. Who never lets it go. Who allows it to live on forever…

Through every dark storm.

Through every bright spring.

Through every steady heartbeat.

Until it harmonizes to the rhythm of their own, floats across the deepest waters, and blooms wildly to fill the heart of two. Because that’s exactly what happened to Santo and me.

My forever boy.

We love…

We’re found…

We’ll drown forever…

In all these oceans of us.